Lettrism: The Alphabet as Art

By Elena Fontaine, France


Lettrism, an avant-garde movement that emerged in post-World War II Paris, redefined the boundaries between the written word and visual art. Founded by Isidore Isou in the mid-20th century, Lettrism sought to disrupt traditional narratives by emphasizing the letter as the central form of expression. This movement inspired artists to explore the potential of letters and symbols, not just as mediums of written communication but as visual tools capable of conveying complex artistic and poetic messages.

While Lettrism originated with Isou and his circle in Paris, the movement's conceptual exploration of text in visual arts influenced a wide range of artists globally. They utilized text and typography to challenge, question, and engage viewers in a dialogue that transcended conventional language barriers.

Robert Indiana became synonymous with pop art through his iconic "LOVE" series, utilizing bold, capitalized letters to create a potent symbol of peace and unity. His work demonstrated how simple letters could evoke deep emotional and societal resonance.

Alighiero Boetti, an Italian conceptual artist, played with the arbitrariness and order of letters to examine themes of duality and synchronicity, pushing the narrative capabilities of textual elements in art.

Ed Ruscha, a key figure in the pop art movement, merged the commercial aesthetics of advertising with the written word, creating stark, evocative landscapes that reflect the American vernacular and cultural landscape.

David Shrigley's witty and often satirical use of text challenges viewers to find meaning and humor in the absurdities of everyday life, proving that letters can serve as powerful conveyors of contemporary critique.

Ivan Navarro's neon sculptures illuminate words and phrases with a physical and conceptual brightness, highlighting the power of language in public and political discourse.

Other artists influenced by the principles of Lettrism include Ben Vautier, whose work often explores the identity and autonomy of the artist; Jasper Johns, known for his use of lettering and numbers to blur the lines between object and art; On Kawara, who utilized date paintings to explore temporality and language; Barbara Kruger, who combines text and imagery to challenge perceptions of power, identity, and sexuality; Sarah Morris, whose abstract paintings and films delve into urban, social, and bureaucratic systems; and Bruce Nauman, whose use of neon and language probes the human condition.

Lettrism and its influence underscore the transformative power of letters in art. From Indiana’s bold symbols to Navarro’s glowing words, artists have leveraged text to critique, beautify, and question. The movement demonstrates that language, when freed from the page and placed in the artist's hands, becomes a multifaceted tool for exploration, capable of expressing the full spectrum of human experience.