Quotation Marks

Using exclamation marks, quotation and question marks, in 1966 Richard Artschwager began constructing the first of a long series of sculptures that repeatedly reproduce several punctuation signs from written language. Some are on a human scale, others are placed on pedestals and still others take the form of sculptural reliefs on the wall. Made from wood or Formica, an industrial material frequently used by the artist, they combine elements of Conceptual art, Minimalism, Surrealism and Pop.

Artschwager takes universal signs associated with the emotional role of language. With an air of lightness and humour, they appear witty, sensual and fun. Aside from their formal presence, they punctuate the exhibition space. While transformed into physical objects, and despite being totally removed from their linguistic context, they do not lose their exclamatory weight. In this way, the artist turns the space into an anonymous, exclamatory voice that somehow implicates everyone.