https://quasiwritingsystems.com Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:26 +0000 https://quasiwritingsystems.com en https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Castor Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:15 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Castor <img width="2500" height="1407" width_o="2500" height_o="1407" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/46ea1cd14b3afd60b91f4b3cf9f2545c180f68ce528aaf7991acdbcc52af6e1e/castor_header.jpg" data-mid="226285762" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/46ea1cd14b3afd60b91f4b3cf9f2545c180f68ce528aaf7991acdbcc52af6e1e/castor_header.jpg" /> back to index &lt; previous / next &gt; title Castor Artist/Designer Marianne Hoffmeister Castro &amp; Patricio González (W Type Foundry) Date 2020 type of writing system Asemic Based on Beaver teeth marks Castor is an experimental typeface consisting of 109 glyphs. These glyphs were developed by closely examining the toothmarks and patterns left by a beaver (Castor Canadensis) on a log found in Pennsylvania in 2020. The typeface was created by Patricio González at W Type Foundry as part of Marianne Hoffmeister’s ongoing research project, A Study of Beaverness. This project explores a beaver-centric imaginarium, examining animals as active agents and historical subjects through narratives that traverse geographical regions and periods. The process of crafting Castor began with manually tracing three sides of the log, followed by the conversion of these marks into distinct glyphs. A writing loop was then introduced to disrupt the linear nature of the typeface. This loop allows each typed letter to initiate a sequence of exchanges, resulting in a multitude of combinations and textures. <img width="1626" height="1470" width_o="1626" height_o="1470" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5fac4b74670eb57cf9326d888bd776360c36b2da2250cf80e45571b7ad916442/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-10.23.30-PM.png" data-mid="226282254" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5fac4b74670eb57cf9326d888bd776360c36b2da2250cf80e45571b7ad916442/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-10.23.30-PM.png" /> <img width="1279" height="778" width_o="1279" height_o="778" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/eba077d61cd3236f3d99d0c6eba8106b5a8d8196eaa2e7d705f2a1ca184dd08a/castor_glyphs_1.jpg" data-mid="226287446" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/eba077d61cd3236f3d99d0c6eba8106b5a8d8196eaa2e7d705f2a1ca184dd08a/castor_glyphs_1.jpg" /> <img width="1279" height="778" width_o="1279" height_o="778" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3759b786d3d6c8365b1b7fcc9d5e97d282f08a4367aa3bc99ffd58b6571b079b/castor_glyphs_2.jpg" data-mid="226287447" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3759b786d3d6c8365b1b7fcc9d5e97d282f08a4367aa3bc99ffd58b6571b079b/castor_glyphs_2.jpg" /> <img width="1279" height="778" width_o="1279" height_o="778" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9462fbcca08bc064431013328188fb01ef0d9ea7cc5751201f559b7b29653291/castor_glyphs_3.jpg" data-mid="226287448" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9462fbcca08bc064431013328188fb01ef0d9ea7cc5751201f559b7b29653291/castor_glyphs_3.jpg" /> <img width="2352" height="1896" width_o="2352" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/043d4ff99c34a859dff7b5d30d57db035c4aef19252599e72e222c03ec1f2c49/castor_1.jpg" data-mid="233229637" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/043d4ff99c34a859dff7b5d30d57db035c4aef19252599e72e222c03ec1f2c49/castor_1.jpg" /> <img width="2352" height="1896" width_o="2352" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9a72a7e4a8b5d3fe1290239cc7c435b125b4e710d1b0b9e2a7b8e2e4bab982a9/castor_3.jpg" data-mid="233229639" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9a72a7e4a8b5d3fe1290239cc7c435b125b4e710d1b0b9e2a7b8e2e4bab982a9/castor_3.jpg" /> <img width="2352" height="1896" width_o="2352" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d26acc75ca5b97f72d6ad50b11f5e56bc99989b7ba866b8c63747060e448e9ec/castor_4.jpg" data-mid="233229640" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d26acc75ca5b97f72d6ad50b11f5e56bc99989b7ba866b8c63747060e448e9ec/castor_4.jpg" /> <img width="2352" height="1896" width_o="2352" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9123307b52801e2c22c8f61864131ee6150b3da377d699712831e2756b67c1e1/castor_2.jpg" data-mid="233229638" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9123307b52801e2c22c8f61864131ee6150b3da377d699712831e2756b67c1e1/castor_2.jpg" /> <img width="2352" height="1896" width_o="2352" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/36036fd568d72d4d3fa1611ff4e849f2fd00aae4f12ac922a6e662cb2da84c1b/castor_5.jpg" data-mid="233229641" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/36036fd568d72d4d3fa1611ff4e849f2fd00aae4f12ac922a6e662cb2da84c1b/castor_5.jpg" /> This project was supported by the Language and Creation Center, Faculty of Architecure, Design and Construction at University of the Americas in Santiago, Chile. Special thanks to resident beaver (Castor Canadensis) of the Monongahela River, PA, Summer 2020.Artwork courtesy of Marianne Hoffmeister Castro &amp; Patricio González (W Type Foundry). All rights reserved. https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Contour-Code Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:16 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Contour-Code <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/05cacd9b0526c241e90c50b64187f575b96b539c72229ed63e6971699ca749c4/Cover-images.jpg" data-mid="226282257" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/05cacd9b0526c241e90c50b64187f575b96b539c72229ed63e6971699ca749c4/Cover-images.jpg" /> back to index &lt; previous / next &gt; title Contour Code Artist/Designer Calder Ruhl Hansen Date 2019 type of writing system Alphabet, Cipher Based on Latin script References Asian Calligraphy Contour Code is a writing system that encodes text in two-dimensional compositions of shapes. A procedure was designed for converting the outlines of the compositions into sequences of characters. This was achieved based on two design goals: to produce beautiful abstractions, and to create a versatile code capable of deciphering any arrangement of geometric shapes as text. The inspiration for Contour Code lies in the concept that shapes in our environment could be engaged in a hidden discourse, with their concealed meanings unveiled through the code. The design process was focused on achieving harmonious balance between aesthetic allure, algorithmic finesse, and user-friendliness. There were four prints on display in the exhibiton, each showcasing a word inscribed in Contour Code. The top and bottom designs below on the left spell the word “shape.” The top right one spells “yes,” and the bottom right spells “the end.” <img width="3000" height="2066" width_o="3000" height_o="2066" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9719d057dea11f067869ddc66a34b426f58d29b305163b2f9644b0e034a49688/contour_code_1.jpg" data-mid="236431659" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9719d057dea11f067869ddc66a34b426f58d29b305163b2f9644b0e034a49688/contour_code_1.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2066" width_o="3000" height_o="2066" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f0d07ca51d8dd1881c86c519eba36814845cfc1c283cbb3344482664b3691fc8/contour_code_3.jpg" data-mid="236431661" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f0d07ca51d8dd1881c86c519eba36814845cfc1c283cbb3344482664b3691fc8/contour_code_3.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2066" width_o="3000" height_o="2066" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7d5a3d663bd1bf810bc1ddcab65fa81515caaf9c1b7f40592a31267aa89e2910/contour_code_2.jpg" data-mid="236431660" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7d5a3d663bd1bf810bc1ddcab65fa81515caaf9c1b7f40592a31267aa89e2910/contour_code_2.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="2066" width_o="3000" height_o="2066" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/beafc2a723760b1dc17ea743b087943abedb25c6acba4e33cd778d9493d49cc5/contour_code_4.jpg" data-mid="236431662" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/beafc2a723760b1dc17ea743b087943abedb25c6acba4e33cd778d9493d49cc5/contour_code_4.jpg" /> Watch the video for the artist’s explanation of how Contour Code works.&nbsp; Artwork courtesy of Calder Ruhl Hansen. All rights reserved. https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Kiko Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:17 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Kiko <img width="1921" height="1081" width_o="1921" height_o="1081" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a55b124764415f683956118df8f7b9c4f5cfe4afa85a642d895036ac9e3b5ce4/kiko_header.png" data-mid="227164963" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a55b124764415f683956118df8f7b9c4f5cfe4afa85a642d895036ac9e3b5ce4/kiko_header.png" /> back to index &lt; Previous / next &gt;&nbsp; title Kiko Artist/Designer Zeke Oyinloye Date 2023 type of writing system Acrophonic alphabet Based on Yoruba language References African Calligraphy Kiko is a writing system that emerged from acrophonic experimentation, where each letter of the Yoruba alphabet (Nigerian) is represented by a symbol that corresponds to a word starting with the same sound. The system was created by initially designing pictorial representations for each letter in the alphabet. Each symbol was then replicated a total of 150 times with each successive iteration mirroring the preceding one. This approach allowed for natural errors and whims to influence the sequential evolution of each symbol. As a result, the symbols evolved from their original complex forms into novel, simplified representations. Kiko was inspired by diverse cultural writing traditions, taking cues from artists like Victor Ekpuk, whose work fuses traditional African calligraphy with contemporary art. The overarching vision for Kiko is to serve as a writing system that is rooted in the Yoruba culture, one that honors its authenticity and is geared towards its preservation. <img width="6000" height="4337" width_o="6000" height_o="4337" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/83bcbbc3da906f9fa20490c86dc173b37876408f1737cb3e35aff2838b3e3915/Symbol-Development_reverse-03.jpg" data-mid="236671756" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/83bcbbc3da906f9fa20490c86dc173b37876408f1737cb3e35aff2838b3e3915/Symbol-Development_reverse-03.jpg" /> <img width="6000" height="4337" width_o="6000" height_o="4337" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/346d3baf90be3699e306498887e35c0cc96c5d1442fdf70b121a0d055da05e5a/Symbol-Development_reverse-04.jpg" data-mid="236671757" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/346d3baf90be3699e306498887e35c0cc96c5d1442fdf70b121a0d055da05e5a/Symbol-Development_reverse-04.jpg" /> <img width="6000" height="4337" width_o="6000" height_o="4337" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d38c106c5e525267f53e8cc119302d307bb29dbcdbd6c0e4427b375fe46c6c26/Symbol-Development_reverse-05.jpg" data-mid="236671758" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d38c106c5e525267f53e8cc119302d307bb29dbcdbd6c0e4427b375fe46c6c26/Symbol-Development_reverse-05.jpg" /> <img width="4908" height="3928" width_o="4908" height_o="3928" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9f61347debcd6ff60c5fcc43afc0884c9df806908781bbb4ca5e2d43968a191c/diagram_kiko.png" data-mid="227170814" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9f61347debcd6ff60c5fcc43afc0884c9df806908781bbb4ca5e2d43968a191c/diagram_kiko.png" /> Artwork courtesy of Zeke Oyinloye. All rights reserved. https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Elian-Script Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:18 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Elian-Script <img width="2858" height="1607" width_o="2858" height_o="1607" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6e855affbfad34cc4c8b9dc27c290244df69ebe3e06f6ea25a0991b1631c730f/elian_header.jpg" data-mid="228972700" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6e855affbfad34cc4c8b9dc27c290244df69ebe3e06f6ea25a0991b1631c730f/elian_header.jpg" /> back to index &lt; Previous / nexT &gt; title Elian Script Artist/Designer C.C. Elian Date 2016 type of writing system Alphabet, Cipher Based on Latin script References Asian Calligraphy Elian Script can be described as a calligraphic cipher that evolved from arranging the letters of the Latin alphabet within three 3x3 grids. This gesture resulted in an alphabetic script comprised of lines and dots, which subsequently introduces compositional rules to convert its angular structure into fluid, flexible strokes. This “line jazz”—as the artist refers to it—promotes greater flow and smoother hand-arm movements, thus enabling variations of the same word, echoing the aesthetic qualities in Asian calligraphy. Elian Script has inspired an online micro-community on platforms like Reddit and Tumblr, where users share creations ranging from notes and poetry, to comic strips and artworks written in Elian. The script was shown on two scrolls (numbers 6 and 19) from a series of 35 that transcribe the text “Art of Nao,” written by the artist. The term “nao” itself is a fusion of “now” and “tao,” and it encapsulates a life philosophy that blends Western pragmatism with Eastern universality. <img width="1224" height="2424" width_o="1224" height_o="2424" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2812b3f6a615d22467c07f77ae2236d9b1d90de91088b6b25743055e11271d9b/cc_scroll_2_web.jpg" data-mid="228972821" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2812b3f6a615d22467c07f77ae2236d9b1d90de91088b6b25743055e11271d9b/cc_scroll_2_web.jpg" /> <img width="1224" height="2368" width_o="1224" height_o="2368" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7a36385380d734ac2925d413cad6eca973ff77c93bcf289a1f0fed9073772800/cc_scroll_1_web.jpg" data-mid="228972912" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7a36385380d734ac2925d413cad6eca973ff77c93bcf289a1f0fed9073772800/cc_scroll_1_web.jpg" /> <img width="4908" height="3368" width_o="4908" height_o="3368" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3586eb5bfc09ae83b83e6cd2d9b02bb7a6e3041f6bd828ae0c1da34000818457/diagram_elian_2.png" data-mid="228972720" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3586eb5bfc09ae83b83e6cd2d9b02bb7a6e3041f6bd828ae0c1da34000818457/diagram_elian_2.png" /> <img width="4908" height="3368" width_o="4908" height_o="3368" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9835947ba07f5eaef06b2b53102b6e538a1e857da740bd004f77782405261fd4/diagram_elian_1.png" data-mid="228972719" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9835947ba07f5eaef06b2b53102b6e538a1e857da740bd004f77782405261fd4/diagram_elian_1.png" /> Watch the video about how Elian Script works.&nbsp; Artwork courtesy of C.C. Elian. All rights reserved. https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Hatamti Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:19 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Hatamti <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/13feb9deb24b79288c834788138d7fd0dad59e320ec4851ca1b245ccbce55681/Cover-images-10.jpg" data-mid="226282289" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/13feb9deb24b79288c834788138d7fd0dad59e320ec4851ca1b245ccbce55681/Cover-images-10.jpg" /> back to index &lt; Previous / nexT &gt; title Hatamti Artist/Designer Sina Fakour Date 2022 type of writing system Syllabary Based on Linear Elamite At the close of the third millennium BCE, Linear Elamite was one of the scripts used in Elam (present-day Iran). Its discovery dates back to the early 20th century where inscriptions—comprising both simple and intricate geometric signs—were uncovered on various materials, including clay, stone, and metal. It was successfully deciphered by François Desset between 2017 and 2020. Remarkably, Linear Elamite stands as the oldest known phonetic writing system, demonstrating that phonetization was in use since the early stages of writing. During a two-year research program at Atelier National de Recherche Typographique, Sina Fakour designed Hatamti, an inclusive typographic set for Linear Elamite. With approximately 300 glyphs, this work enables the digital transmission, reproduction, and preservation of the writing system. Throughout this process, Fakour also investigated the visual characteristics stemming from the use of engraving tools and developed a methodology applicable to similar ancient scripts. <img width="6000" height="3833" width_o="6000" height_o="3833" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/24f84e22c920ab2b7a9c772beb30c2c6578c61445eafc12d35d73a46adc023c4/hatamti_styles.jpg" data-mid="235865725" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/24f84e22c920ab2b7a9c772beb30c2c6578c61445eafc12d35d73a46adc023c4/hatamti_styles.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1896" width_o="2550" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a0c4493fc55f4565aa0ba95e0db68fd024f2531d6e0c02e84a2f882f8113b1fb/hatamti_1.jpg" data-mid="233229749" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a0c4493fc55f4565aa0ba95e0db68fd024f2531d6e0c02e84a2f882f8113b1fb/hatamti_1.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1896" width_o="2550" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/732a114e5a39c4308b8d65f9c215d8654b16a19abdd40ebdfb0db2f39fbac65f/hatamti_2.jpg" data-mid="233229750" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/732a114e5a39c4308b8d65f9c215d8654b16a19abdd40ebdfb0db2f39fbac65f/hatamti_2.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1896" width_o="2550" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/90fad8d6d5f21c7bc2847d9d5e9390eea88aa829ee8f98cbaa75d9044de0e042/hatamti_3.jpg" data-mid="233229751" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/90fad8d6d5f21c7bc2847d9d5e9390eea88aa829ee8f98cbaa75d9044de0e042/hatamti_3.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1896" width_o="2550" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/625652935312b9a8f009deac1b09539d0cb7713fee5fd8066d868d0a56c64385/hatamti_4.jpg" data-mid="233229752" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/625652935312b9a8f009deac1b09539d0cb7713fee5fd8066d868d0a56c64385/hatamti_4.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1896" width_o="2550" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d5d95db6c16306cd1b049a9fa41a3ea9e5a6794dbec7951d5ebae846cd616e35/hatamti_5.jpg" data-mid="233229753" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d5d95db6c16306cd1b049a9fa41a3ea9e5a6794dbec7951d5ebae846cd616e35/hatamti_5.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1896" width_o="2550" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/63117ccafe45a4a93ade0d489591ab75af7044b0265d43d0f55fdfba0364ccc1/hatamti_6.jpg" data-mid="233229754" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/63117ccafe45a4a93ade0d489591ab75af7044b0265d43d0f55fdfba0364ccc1/hatamti_6.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1896" width_o="2550" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ef953110939b44b9133841ac220d48cedf8726e4ef33a5bffa78cc98c8dd648a/hatamti_7.jpg" data-mid="233229755" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ef953110939b44b9133841ac220d48cedf8726e4ef33a5bffa78cc98c8dd648a/hatamti_7.jpg" /> <img width="2550" height="1896" width_o="2550" height_o="1896" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3bb84265b35d0308d81c50e3bc8aaae20a6c8ddf9252d496b2a89c51451f79ae/hatamti_8.jpg" data-mid="233229756" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3bb84265b35d0308d81c50e3bc8aaae20a6c8ddf9252d496b2a89c51451f79ae/hatamti_8.jpg" /> <img width="2770" height="1367" width_o="2770" height_o="1367" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/af92e57dc3b945869515687d7945d13dd9c93d0c91d383c102a43f30fc887094/transcriptions.jpg" data-mid="235865860" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/af92e57dc3b945869515687d7945d13dd9c93d0c91d383c102a43f30fc887094/transcriptions.jpg" /><img width="4019" height="2680" width_o="4019" height_o="2680" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4c36edb6a6749db59347d5c4e53f0eda4142a3e274f2818bfd8048dd5695405a/DSCF4671.jpg" data-mid="235869156" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4c36edb6a6749db59347d5c4e53f0eda4142a3e274f2818bfd8048dd5695405a/DSCF4671.jpg" />Clay tablets carved by the artist. Artwork courtesy of Sina Fakour. All rights reserved. https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Arrakis Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:21 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Arrakis <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3b6e13ca3518ceb6446d6886ec971d18d5f183ba51ff87fac4bad932caf7408d/Cover-images.jpg" data-mid="226282305" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3b6e13ca3518ceb6446d6886ec971d18d5f183ba51ff87fac4bad932caf7408d/Cover-images.jpg" /> back to index &lt; Previous / nexT &gt; title Arrakis Artist/Designer Coline Besson Date 2022 type of writing system Inscription Based on Fremen language References Dune (novel by Frank Herbert), Kufic script Rooted in Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel Dune (1965), Arrakis draws upon the prophecy held by the Fremen, inhabitants of the namesake desert planet. This prophecy speaks of a “Giver of Water” destined to transform their arid world into a verdant paradise. The artwork envisions a scenario where the Fremen have inscribed this prophecy onto a sandstone, foretelling the savior’s arrival. The inscription’s aesthetics interpret what the Fremen language might resemble, drawing inspiration from their society and the challenging conditions of their environment as described in the novel. The geometric structure mirrors the Kufic script—a style of Arabic characterized by angular, rectilinear letterforms and horizontal orientation—mirroring Herbert’s recognition of the influence Islamic culture had on the Dune universe. The creative process favored intuition over rigid grammatical rules; however, subtle repetitions within the script enable the discerning eye to identify recurring words. <img width="624" height="921" width_o="624" height_o="921" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e333c8ab66fdaf2c653995ab660a84e5b97a20960ebe73aa80ecf7ff57ea74b1/arrakis_2.jpg" data-mid="227927356" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/624/i/e333c8ab66fdaf2c653995ab660a84e5b97a20960ebe73aa80ecf7ff57ea74b1/arrakis_2.jpg" /> <img width="1169" height="1727" width_o="1169" height_o="1727" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/acf65b8619e945d2fded54291551c8376eaede018c946b9e79101f65c1402994/arrakis.jpg" data-mid="227927355" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/acf65b8619e945d2fded54291551c8376eaede018c946b9e79101f65c1402994/arrakis.jpg" /> <img width="2093" height="1395" width_o="2093" height_o="1395" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/173b98576a75a4e32c6f7ab7146edd98d377dce08ea30d68a7b687cac66b3c25/arrakis_closeup_2.jpg" data-mid="228941361" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/173b98576a75a4e32c6f7ab7146edd98d377dce08ea30d68a7b687cac66b3c25/arrakis_closeup_2.jpg" /> This project is the result of the workshop Société spontanée des passés et futurs probables et improbables de la typographie at Lausanne University of Art and Design (ECAL), instructed by Radim Pesko. Artwork courtesy of Coline Besson. All rights reserved. https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Transcending-Scripts Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:22 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Transcending-Scripts <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ba65bae8cca550904e87f2d85b667ab705c09a47d5ab210eb1e210901b4facbd/Cover-images-3.jpg" data-mid="226282317" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ba65bae8cca550904e87f2d85b667ab705c09a47d5ab210eb1e210901b4facbd/Cover-images-3.jpg" /> back to index &lt; Previous / nexT &gt; title Transcending Scripts: Deconstructed Humanistic Alphabet Artist/Designer Aspacia Kousoulas Date 2023 type of writing system Alphabet Based on Latin script References Western calligraphy, Lettrist movement Transcending Scripts explores versions of the Latin alphabet starting from the 14th century, examining the nuances and stylistic variations that emergedduring that era. It dissects and reconstructs Latin’s six basic calligraphic strokes which underpin the foundation for creating various letters and decorative designs. Drawing inspiration from historical manuscripts, like Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta (1561–1562), the project’s objective extends beyond conveying meaning to uncover the inherent beauty residing within the apparently arbitrary strokes that compose letters. It takes cues from the Lettrist movement’s reverence for form-breaking, and Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction theory, which critiques Western philosophical theories and their reliance on binary oppositions. Transcending Scripts thus reimagines the Latin script, generating a new alphabet with altered order and rhythm. <img width="2000" height="1125" width_o="2000" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e911c23a1f998d1240f78dbb214de540167332bdb0ad0172dfa75abfb2e392ac/DSCF4654-e.jpg" data-mid="226282318" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e911c23a1f998d1240f78dbb214de540167332bdb0ad0172dfa75abfb2e392ac/DSCF4654-e.jpg" /> <img width="4907" height="4296" width_o="4907" height_o="4296" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0932c4a59478d9e69637e902d05642136141c6860a9e639515f6acacaaa4ebc6/diagrams_aspacia.jpg" data-mid="227611163" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0932c4a59478d9e69637e902d05642136141c6860a9e639515f6acacaaa4ebc6/diagrams_aspacia.jpg" /> Artwork courtesy of Aspacia Kousoulas. All rights reserved. https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Passed-Present Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:23 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Passed-Present <img width="2000" height="1125" width_o="2000" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4e8cc17fc11827cf6af45aa0e5fa2a49beadab8ba3389a86973368d9144f4b66/planchettebgv4.jpg" data-mid="236672133" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4e8cc17fc11827cf6af45aa0e5fa2a49beadab8ba3389a86973368d9144f4b66/planchettebgv4.jpg" /> back to index &lt; revious / nexT &gt; title Passed Present: A Methodology of Written Communication with the Dead Artist/Designer The Repository of Wonders Date 2023 type of writing system Automatic writing Based on Spiritualism, Occult, Paranormal phenomena References mysteriousplanchette.com The Repository of Wonders is providing a 19th-century style planchette (from the French for “little plank”) for interactive use during the exhibition. This writing instrument, used by those who wish to instigate communication with the dead, enjoyed its most significant popularity in America and the UK at the advent of the early 20th-century Spiritualist movement, which focused on contact with those in the afterlife using seances, talking boards, tipping tables, etc. The planchette on display is based on an original model produced in America by Selchow and Righter during the 1860s. It was presented in it’s own dedicated space alongside framed historical references and accompanied by an original musical piece titled Prelude for Planchette, composed by Jackson Keys. Visitors were encouraged to attempt contact with the spirits by lightly manipulating the apparatus as it traced pencil markings on paper.&nbsp; <img width="1662" height="1109" width_o="1662" height_o="1109" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/04b9655038266e50b794ff567227c285a59cfe33fc7dc067aa034942ebcc1cb0/DSCF5310e.jpg" data-mid="236071773" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/04b9655038266e50b794ff567227c285a59cfe33fc7dc067aa034942ebcc1cb0/DSCF5310e.jpg" /> <img width="1650" height="1100" width_o="1650" height_o="1100" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/901eda5d45e979c822f138f68a8f3e0ebf592b44e89820313688d82c7b4448ba/DSCF5273e.jpg" data-mid="236071984" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/901eda5d45e979c822f138f68a8f3e0ebf592b44e89820313688d82c7b4448ba/DSCF5273e.jpg" /> <img width="1830" height="2580" width_o="1830" height_o="2580" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/84c152d53c7e65f82f15b42fcdbaa2a70242d15b91551d75a62da4a342446b1e/pastpresent_01.jpg" data-mid="236072413" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/84c152d53c7e65f82f15b42fcdbaa2a70242d15b91551d75a62da4a342446b1e/pastpresent_01.jpg" /> <img width="1830" height="2580" width_o="1830" height_o="2580" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4ab79c60d1eeca5ff0d4b4f87dc64e36dabe2104b27963757a77dba3d3ef3965/pastpresent_02.jpg" data-mid="236072415" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4ab79c60d1eeca5ff0d4b4f87dc64e36dabe2104b27963757a77dba3d3ef3965/pastpresent_02.jpg" /> <img width="1688" height="1125" width_o="1688" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8213949c6e04fd24e86c71bbb9b7ea39eb007e6aa306667984a07735db4e7b1c/web-pastpresent.jpeg" data-mid="236672628" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8213949c6e04fd24e86c71bbb9b7ea39eb007e6aa306667984a07735db4e7b1c/web-pastpresent.jpeg" /> <img width="1650" height="1100" width_o="1650" height_o="1100" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a32527a923f3216381578a23c853572c7fd57423d6309dd511ebb2a533b1f4fc/DSCF5318e.jpg" data-mid="236071774" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a32527a923f3216381578a23c853572c7fd57423d6309dd511ebb2a533b1f4fc/DSCF5318e.jpg" /> <img width="1650" height="1100" width_o="1650" height_o="1100" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cbdc8e3ffc60f9c05963668cdf9e0c59972a7faa306f5eb85e47099fe28347de/DSCF5323e.jpg" data-mid="236071775" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cbdc8e3ffc60f9c05963668cdf9e0c59972a7faa306f5eb85e47099fe28347de/DSCF5323e.jpg" /> Artwork courtesy of The Repository of Wonders. All rights reserved. https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Phonograph Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:25 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Phonograph <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/57fc2b47f11280d63b93671ab63b6f3611de67fb6c3726819bf7692e4b4226db/Cover-images-16.jpg" data-mid="226282349" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/57fc2b47f11280d63b93671ab63b6f3611de67fb6c3726819bf7692e4b4226db/Cover-images-16.jpg" /> back to index &lt; Previous / nexT &gt; title Phonograph Artist/Designer Stephan Kamp Date 2013–23 type of writing system Alphasyllabary Based on German language, phonetics References Optophonetics Phonograph studies the voice as a complex performative phenomenon and a multidisciplinary subject capable of tracing both individual and societal expressions. Inspired by optophonetics—the field that studies visible speech—the project’s exploration of the voice revolves around the analysis of speech signals in the German language, which were recorded and transformed into graphic symbols. These phonemes, each represented by distinct soundwaves, collectively constitute an alphabet that was organized and output as a typeface. The accompanying book is a complete transcription of Stimme: Annäherung an ein Phänomen (Voice: Approaching a Phenomenon), a philosophical text about the nature of the voice. Altogether, this project encourages contemplation on the intriguing possibility of using printed audio information as a potential alternative to conventional writing methods. <img width="2550" height="1764" width_o="2550" height_o="1764" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fbc3b912f28e5dc988fc1b6fbdc90bcb4bb6474655a6060d19fb269dfb48cf43/phonograph_2.png" data-mid="226678799" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fbc3b912f28e5dc988fc1b6fbdc90bcb4bb6474655a6060d19fb269dfb48cf43/phonograph_2.png" /> <img width="2380" height="1613" width_o="2380" height_o="1613" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4c3e92ad37ea254f673ea8a9ab8eddb6c38c69b920f38d52ba622e331ad98d59/phono_1.jpg" data-mid="233229465" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4c3e92ad37ea254f673ea8a9ab8eddb6c38c69b920f38d52ba622e331ad98d59/phono_1.jpg" /> <img width="2380" height="1613" width_o="2380" height_o="1613" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c80885d9250faf36684285970a12f5fd98bb24a44dbf246bd9506ce655748892/phono_2.jpg" data-mid="233229466" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c80885d9250faf36684285970a12f5fd98bb24a44dbf246bd9506ce655748892/phono_2.jpg" /> <img width="2380" height="1613" width_o="2380" height_o="1613" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0ac28655ab58ca9dc42bf3d86249023f63da68091c1a9a09196efa90a25a1a90/phono_3.jpg" data-mid="233229467" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0ac28655ab58ca9dc42bf3d86249023f63da68091c1a9a09196efa90a25a1a90/phono_3.jpg" /> <img width="2380" height="1613" width_o="2380" height_o="1613" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8c73855299e4aebc5e352f3f2d9a9630010782d1a9e4a0290cf651d7a27db990/phono_4.jpg" data-mid="233229468" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8c73855299e4aebc5e352f3f2d9a9630010782d1a9e4a0290cf651d7a27db990/phono_4.jpg" /> <img width="2380" height="1613" width_o="2380" height_o="1613" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3a8c925e496df458c6e85d69ef96f7120c24743d52e1d8342a729f3f35f86064/phono_5.jpg" data-mid="233229469" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3a8c925e496df458c6e85d69ef96f7120c24743d52e1d8342a729f3f35f86064/phono_5.jpg" /> <img width="2380" height="1613" width_o="2380" height_o="1613" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/04bdeabd3cf29cce454b6b657c9c7b3da5e77f2112cf4316bf428b35e53ef742/phono_6.jpg" data-mid="233229470" border="0" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/04bdeabd3cf29cce454b6b657c9c7b3da5e77f2112cf4316bf428b35e53ef742/phono_6.jpg" /> <img width="4908" height="5888" width_o="4908" height_o="5888" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8a2080bf31b661a7a3708c3587a215d7f7a05604d6e2afbfc11255a6a7dd3b2f/diagram_phonograph.png" data-mid="226678531" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8a2080bf31b661a7a3708c3587a215d7f7a05604d6e2afbfc11255a6a7dd3b2f/diagram_phonograph.png" /> Artwork courtesy of Stephan Kamp. All rights reserved. https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Masetzu-Logosyllabary Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:01:26 +0000 Quasi-Experimental-Writing-Systems https://quasiwritingsystems.com/Masetzu-Logosyllabary <img width="2000" height="1125" width_o="2000" height_o="1125" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/26ea48457ed79a42689be93afd89caf945db9bc280dc7614dcea4d954ee86b20/web_matezu.jpg" data-mid="226282361" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/26ea48457ed79a42689be93afd89caf945db9bc280dc7614dcea4d954ee86b20/web_matezu.jpg" /> back to index &lt; Previous / nexT &gt; title Masetzu Logosyllabary Artist/Designer Aleks Hafermaas Date 2022 type of writing system Logosyllabary Based on Mayan glyphs Masetzu Logosyllabary is a fictional script inspired by the ancient Mayan writing system of Mesoamerica. This writing system combines the characteristics of syllabaries and logographies, using modular images to represent objects and concepts. The challenges lay in creating distinctive symbols to represent the thousands of consonant-vowel combinations in English, while allowing these symbols to convey broader meanings. These symbols are richly rooted in the physical world, encompassing depictions of human organs, abstract figures, plants, animals, and man-made objects. Masetzu distinguishes itself from the original Mayan script by incorporating “shells” that surround the characters to define the parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.) and small “tags” to signify when a symbol should be interpreted symbolically rather than phonetically. This project extends the script’s artistic expression into other media, such as ceramic sculptures and abstract art, fostering a dialogue between tradition and modernity. <img width="1440" height="960" width_o="1440" height_o="960" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cf8bc0fd7284f3468c295c6b477cbbb33b1c5278a3cc08d7177510e3f944d3bd/masetzu_1.jpg" data-mid="230483200" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cf8bc0fd7284f3468c295c6b477cbbb33b1c5278a3cc08d7177510e3f944d3bd/masetzu_1.jpg" /><img width="1620" height="1080" width_o="1620" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c33d0b1726a5ef16f5a139ce07a7a4f6488a0d79169806ef7406509dd8b69a76/masetzu_sketch.jpg" data-mid="230484184" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c33d0b1726a5ef16f5a139ce07a7a4f6488a0d79169806ef7406509dd8b69a76/masetzu_sketch.jpg" /> Artwork courtesy of Aleks Hafermaas. All rights reserved.