Among signs – propositions from a typographic practice by Åse Huus

This exposition gathers a series of visual and linguistic investigations in which signs, form, and the space between them construct expressions that invite multiple interpretations. Here, propositions are understood as attempts, movements, and modes of thought. Between sign and form, a space emerges where meaning can be brought into play – where rhythm, structure, wonder and quietness may interact as an expanded practice of seeing, reading, and listening.

Letters

Pine

Letters Found

I search for the outer edges of language – where it begins to dissolve, and perhaps begin again.

I explore how meaning can be reconstructed, scaled, and reassembled – into new forms and surfaces. How new meanings may emerge, and if language can be experienced as something physical and visual – as objects, traces, and fragments.

The material comes from a shredder.
Remnants of correspondence. Messages and letters once sent, now destroyed, remain as fragments of information.

With increased magnification, the fibers of the paper reveal their directions and structures.

Halftone dots from print and reproduction become visible only through the camera lens
– or under a magnifying glass.
The traces are always there, but without amplification, they remain hidden.

I reassemble them – shaping the fragments into new messages, perhaps new letters. I search for new compositions of traces and sentence parts – as in a language game.

In these constellations, hints and moods emerge – possible structures for meaning.

Some need packaging – as they have no other way to hold themselves together.

Random movements can set the messages into play.

Photo credits: Øystein Klakegg

Some form a rhythm, a pattern, a new kind of surface and shape.
Others simply stand there – clear in themselves.

Some are fragile in their joints and won’t withstand careless handling.
Some are closed. Others are rough, bold, forceful.

Bibliography:
Drucker, Johanna: Diagrammatic writing. Eindhoven 2023. Set Margins’

Ericson, Eric. To Mr Cheng. Stockholm 2008. Kartago Förlag

Martens, Karel. Love Letters. Amsterdam 2024. Roma Publications

Usher, Shaun. Norwegian edition: Bemerkelsesverdige brev. Oslo 2016. Forlaget Press
Original title: Letters of Note. Edinburgh 2013. Canongate Books Ltd.

Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Filosofiske undersøkelser. Oslo 2010. Pax forlag A/S
Original title: Philosophische Untersuchungen @ Basil Blackwell Ltd. 1953

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Åse Huus - Among signs – propositions from a typographic practice - 2025