The exhibition presented twenty-one projects of fictional or invented writing systems. These works explored atypical configurations of signs and symbols, inspired by science fiction, cryptography, modern technology, language preservation, sound, nature, and communication with the dead. Delivered through diverse formats—including font experiments, art books, scrolls, drawings, sculptures, and other artifacts—some works were intentionally designed to be functional writing systems, allowing potential usage by others, while in others, functionality becomes entirely irrelevant. Many remain works-in-progress, reflecting the perpetual evolution of language—a fluid entity that adapts and transforms alongside societal shifts.

PRESENTED projects

1. Venus, Ximena Amaya
2. Sound Clouds & Syllabaries, Johannes Bergerhausen & Ilka Helmig
3. Arrakis, Coline Besson
4. Elian Script, C.C. Elian
5. Hatamti, Sina Fakour
6. Molecular Typography Laboratory, Kobi Franco
7. Castor, Marianne Hoffmeister & Patricio González
8. Masetzu Logosyllabary, Aleks Hafermaas
9. An Enigmatic System of Symbols, Simon Fréour
10. Contour Code, Calder Ruhl Hansen
11. D16 Syllabics, Calder Ruhl Hansen
12. Color and Materials Code Script (CMCS), Simon Johnston
13. Phonograph, Stephan Kamp
14. Silent Echo, Michelle Koza
15. Transcending Scripts, Aspacia Kusulas
16. Untitled, Lavinia Lascaris
17. Kiko, Zeke Oyinloye
18. Hiero, Barry Spencer
19. Cody, Barry Spencer
20. Computer/Vision, Simon Thiefes
21. Passed Present, The Repository of Wonders

exhibition dates

November 17, 2023 to April 14, 2024

location

HMCT Gallery
ArtCenter College of Design, South Campus
950 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 91105

credits

Curation, exhibition design: Lavinia Lascaris, Ximena Amaya, Simon Johnston
Fabrication, installation: Joshue Molina, Saya Makhmud, Karlo Diego
Administration: Gloria Kondrup, Susan Malmstrom, Clifford Pun