AnOther magazine A to Z

I went back and rediscovered a project I did for the 10th anniversary / 20th issue of AnOther in 2013. An artist A to Z. Here is the text and images:

A is for Apple Pie. It is a simple phrase that has been engrained into the English language for 500 years. Since the 16th century, the alphabet has been taught through illustrative rhyme. The 16th century also saw the establishment of the English alphabet as we know it, with the letters U, V, J and I affirming their independent status. At this time language was taught through hornbooks – wooden paddles covered in parchment that had the alphabet printed on it, layer with thick cow horn to protect it from wear and tear. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the alphabet was printed with accompanying images – notably by Edward Lear in 1871 and Kate Greenaway in 1885. Dr Seuss added his surreal touch in 1963, surpassed by Mike Wilks’ awesome eye spy book The Ultimate Alphabet in 1986.

The formation of language is innately linked to image. Each letter in the alphabet is filled with semiotic content, its own layers of ideas and signs. Honouring this relationship between the letter and its meaning seemed an ideal way to showcase some of the artists who have worked with AnOther Magazine in its first decade. Many of the artists who have interpreted the 26 letters of the English alphabet here are known for their exploration of text, word and language. All have created unique works for this project, transforming the simplest building blocks into an ocean of visual associations.

Curated and introduced by Francesca Gavin