I sometimes pop into MoMA during my lunch break and catch a quick exhibit. There’s a fascinating show on the 6th floor called “Tangled Alphabets: León Ferrari and Mira Schende” which runs until June 15th.
Both draw inspiration from language, notably the written word but also finding visual equivalents for language that is spoken in their compositions. Ferrari has pieces that from a distance look like writing, cursive loops organized in lines the way a paragraph or page would be, but upon close inspection you realize the pen strokes emulate the act of writing without actually using letters or words. It is all pen work and design and while that frustrates the mind that wants to read it as writing, it also tantalizes the mind that perhaps this is a new form of writing or undiscovered language. Its impenetrableness is what brings delight.
If you’re in NYC and have a chance to get to MoMA, definitely check it out. I’m working my way through the exhibition catalogue and falling in love with these two South American artists.