Response to Alpha and Omega by Leah Ollman

I am embarassed to admit that today was my virginal experience with the publication Art in America. I gravitate towards the glossies delving into the medium of fiber when reaching for my monthly needed reads. I have now officially added a new source to my literary regime. In this months issue the artist Tuaba Auerbach is featured in a concise and well articulated article expressing the means and meaning of her latest works featured this past fall at the Deitch Projets in New york. I hold a soft spot for languages, ancient, colloquialized, symbolic and, most importantly, lacking in meaning other then just to exist. Apperently Auerbach feels the same way in a deeper sense. Her work mirrors this by objectifying language. Reducing charcters to form that lack functionality other then aesthetic. Utilizing such rarely associated "languages" as binary code, morse code, and, my personal favorite; the alphabet in a digital readout form mat, Auerbach formulates exquisite, pop-art-like, compositions that challenge viewers to step inside. Because of this artist and article on said I am searching into this temporarily suspended love of language for my own source of inspiration. Imparticularly furthering my knowledge on Alexander Melville Bell's "visible speech" which I find incredibly interesting.
- McClary 1-28-07