Language is at the heart of our existence – we can only channel and focus ideas if we have the words to voice them. From the calligraphy of medieval Bibles to the fonts of the London Underground, visual language adds an extra layer of depth to the spoken word that’s akin to the intonations of speech. It’s little wonder then, that many artists have incorporated language in their work, using typography, handwriting or spray paint to get their point across.
Since the mid 20th-century, there’s been an explosion of word-based art, with makers challenging perceptions through a mix of bold phrases and beautiful letter forms that convey everything from motherly love to political anger. Read on for more on the artists who’ve shaped the movement...