Language within private and public setting

There are many ways language is used in the everyday setting, online and in the art world. Many artists have tried to push the boundaries of text, for example Ed Ruscha's paintings that imitate advertising and billboards juxtaposed with city or landscape backgrounds; Steve Powers playful public art that combines street art, advertising, iconography, language and poetry; and Tracey Emins confessional outpours and statements that reflect her emotional experiences.

These artists place language in the public sphere, but the written words origin is from the book. Reading a book tends to be a private experience, an exchange between reader and book that is remote from the outside world, the reader immersing themselves within the writing.

There is also public language seen in advertising, media and online; often not attached to the personal experience but appear as direct instructions and information. This form of language is communal, a collective and impersonal reading experience in passing, whilst scrolling, or subconsciously.

Similarly, films in cinema and theatre performances are enjoyed whilst amongst other people who are often strangers, creating a connected emotional response as part of a group. But, however happy, sad, infuriating, exciting these performances may be, there is a barrier between audience and creator - often having many contributors to the creation of the piece. This is why a communal emotional experience created by an artist can be so powerful as it plays with human natures intrigue but also feeling of invasion.

Maybe even more so than fiction and non-fiction books, reading poetry is also an intimate

encounter. However, recently poetry has become a more common part of everyday life whether in advertising, music and artworks. In the London Underground, poetry is exhibited in the tube carriages alongside advertising, creating a public space for literature that isn't usually seen. This gives passengers a moment of reflection and calm within the chaos of the city.

Within my practice I research and create text-based-art that brings both the every day and the confessional to the foreground, allowing myself and the audience a chance to reflect on memories, emotions and create a common experience.

Examples of private or personal language made public

Tracey Emin Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995

Tent with all the people Emin had ever slept with appliqued to the inside, not necessarily in a sexual way

Sophie Calle Take Care of Yourself

After French artist Sophie Calle was dumped by email she asked 107 women to analyse the text in relation to their professional practice.

Joseph Grigely Fourteen Untitled Conversations

Joseph Grigley is a deaf artist who predominately uses written word in his work, keeps and exhibits notes written during conversation with others to help communicate.