Introduction
Word Jumble PIllow Project (AKA TEXT-ING)
At Blink Gallery, Ottawa, Canada, June 10-14, 2009
Karina Bergmans
Word Jumble PIllow Project (AKA TEXT-ING) consists of the letters of the alphabet created in letter shaped pillows which are manipulated in public intervention in the creation of endless words. In a time in which text messaging is a direct and often exteme form of instant communication, TEXT-ING as a sculptural project allows participants to physically engage in word play. Familiarity of word games have long been enjoyed at parties and social gatherings: balderdash, boggle, scrabble, word jumbles, charades. etc...TEXT-ING encompasses text, craft, performance, photography and public intervention.
The power of a word takes on a new meaning when created in pillow form that can be physically moved and manipulated. The alphabet pillows are made of reclaimed fabric and textiles and stuffed with polyfill from old pillows. The public is invited to manipulate the pillows to form words, rest or lounge with their favorite letter, take pictures. Negotiations, trades and sharing may ensue in the creation of words between people.
Photos taken at TEXT-ING have been uploaded to a fcbk group created for the project or sent directly to friends as a txt message. Thus the pillows themselves become a text msg.
FCBK grp link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=88079726327
The exhibition also featured a mini store and artist-in-residence, where I was creating and selling my kbergmans.come clothing line: one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
Blink Gallery is a co-operatively run exhibition space located in Header House, owned by the National Capital Commission. It is located at the north end of Majors Hill Park directly across from the National Gallery, at the foot of the Alexandra Bridge. Map at www.Blinkgallery.ca
A review of the show was published in the Ottawa Citizen:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Funky+show+letter+perfect/1692003/story.html
and reviewed on-line at G-Gallery
http://www.getguerilla.ca/g-gallery
