Although 'Textual Portraits' subverts the function of a typewriter, artist Leslie Nichols has found a way to create art with the defunct technology. After being gifted a typewriter, Nichols began using it to create meaningful drawings through experimentation.
For Nichols, the use of text and letters in her personal portraits is an allusion to how the lives we lead are often created within our minds. She mentions that identities and labels are self-chosen resulting as a social construction. Nichols has also chosen to only feature women in her work. This symbolizes how women often emerge as strong characters in literary texts and how it is mimicked in real life, when strong women often rise up during difficult times throughout history.
Through meticulously crafting detailed portraits, Nichols is able to repurpose an old technology to make beautiful textual portraits.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Repurposed Technology
- The use of old technologies, like typewriters, to create art and innovative products.
- Textual Art
- The exploration of text and letters as a medium for artistic expression and storytelling.
- Empowerment of Women
- The representation of strong women in art, highlighting their resilience and contributions to society.
Where This Applies
- Art and Design
- Artists and designers using repurposed technology and textual art to create unique and meaningful works.
- Printing and Publishing
- Companies exploring innovative ways to incorporate text and letters into their products and services.
- Feminist Movement
- Organizations and brands promoting the empowerment of women and showcasing their stories through art and other mediums.
