Fetishizing Calligraphy

These are not photographs; they are actual paintings.

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We all admire calligraphy, whether readable or not, but Edward Evans objectifies the works themselves and we're captivated by their beauty rather than any inherent meaning. When we discover his masterful trompe l'oeil treatment, we are even the more separated from the letters as conveyors of information. Our whole concentration is on the physicality of the painting as object to be seen and appreciated; not understood.

Bottom image is from Washingtonpavilion.

The top image is from his web site. Very beautiful treatments and you'll find it hard to believe that they're not photographs.