Pismo jako sztuka
Writing as Art

Summary/Abstract: Art, being a part of culture and civilization, is difficult to define. It is most often analyzed in terms of aesthetics. The art is most often associated with paintings, sculptures, architecture, music or literature. At the same time, it is hardly ever associated with writing. This article discusses and compares ways of perceiving different types of writing as art that originates from different cultures. Egyptian hieroglyphs were characterized as religious and utilitarian, while their artistic aspect was rather secondary. This approach has changed due to globalization and commercialization. Chinese calligraphy is characterized by duality – a combination of spirituality with pragmatic approach. Arabic calligraphy is primarily religious, but the visual effect seems to be as important as the element of its usage. Calligraffiti that is derived from Arabic calligraphy is, against the tradition, secular and serves as a tool of expression that can be seen both on the streets and in museums. Concrete poetry ignores conventions and gives a new dimension to both poems and typography. Despite time and cultural differences, in all these cases – to a greater or lesser degree – the visual value seems to be just as important (or even more important) as the substantive value of the texts. The visual effect and the functional element cooperate with each other and complement each other creating multidimensional works of art.

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