The Grammar of Ornament
The interactions of art and design are ever expanding: technology and formation; artifact and narrative; and arena and audience. This diverse union of physical expression and semiotic theory forms a foundation to [re]consider the manner to which ornament, in all of its iterations and diagramming, creates visual languages. The architect Owen Jones [1809–1874] in his 1854 tome “The Grammar of Ornament” states in Proposition Five: That which is beautiful is true; that which is true is beautiful. This exhibition fluidly imparts Jones’ philosophy of design to broadly explore interdisciplinary design practices.
In association with Walton Arts Center’s Joy Pratt Markham Gallery exhibition, “The Grammar of Ornament,” we invite you to an opening reception on January 19, 2018 from 5–7 PM.
Exhibition dates:
January 18–March 17, 2018
Additionally, the work will be publicly displayed in the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery at the Walton Arts Center from January 18–March 17, 2018
DesignLab: Letterpress with Celene Aubry
February 10, 9:00 AM–1:30 PM
Location: John Brown University
In association with The Grammar of Ornament exhibition, showing at the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery at the Walton Arts Center, we are thrilled to welcome Celene Aubry from Hatch Show Print in Nashville to NWA to lecture and teach a limited-seat letterpress workshop. Tickets available here.
About Hatch Show Print: Founded in 1879, Hatch Show Print continues to print over 600 jobs a year, all using original wood type and hand carved imagery. They are dedicated to the preservation of letterpress printing and welcome over 100,000 visitors to their shop annually to watch and participate in traditional 19th century printing practices.
The Work
The Grammar of Ornament
Featuring Artwork by:
Shepard Fairey
Ryan McGinness
Mary Judge
Shepard Fairey
Lotus Target Red
Three-color relief on handmade paper
35.0 x 25.50 inches
Edition 34 of 35
2012
© Shepard Fairey. Image courtesy of the artist and Pace Prints.
Ryan McGinness
Dark Energy
Silkscreen
60.0 x 40.0 inches
Edition 19 of 30
2013
© Ryan McGinness / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Image courtesy of the artist and Pace Prints.
Mary Judge
Rose Window Series A30
Relief print on handmade paper
22.0 x 22.0 inches
2006
Image courtesy of the artist and Wildwood Press.
Owen Jones
Plate 71: Illuminated Manuscripts No. 1
The Grammar of Ornament, illustrated by Examples from various Styles of Ornament. 100 folio plates drawn on stone by Francis Bedford Day. Chromolithography; bound publishers’ three-quarter morooco over boards with gilt spine and title-lable on front cover. London: Day & Son.
Folio, 21.850 x 15.55 inches;
First edition, 1856
William H. Page
Specimens of Chromatic Wood Type, Borders, etc.
A specimen book produced by the William H. Page wood type company.
1874
