«Ecriture Infinite» Remembers the Beauty of Handwriting

The ubiquity of personal computing devices has turned typing into the dominant method of communication. One of the byproducts of this phenomenon is that we lose one of our signature marks that identify us as individuals — handwriting. Typing onto a keyboard has the same output regardless of who you are.

An ongoing art project by Bili Bidjocka wishes to remind people of the importance of handwriting. Ecriture Infinite is comprised of eight massive tomes that professionals from fields such as cultural studies, neurolinguistics, aesthetics, and creative writing have been invited to contribute their handwriting to the research. The exhibit travels around the world to museums and festivals inviting visitors to add their handwriting as well. It celebrates the 3,500 year old art of handwriting reminding people how long it has existed and its importance in providing both an identity and a visual experience.

Each contribution to the book is recorded emphasizing the experiential quality of writing. Whereas typing on a computer is merely a practical form of communication writing actually has personality and a feel to it. Bidjocka wishes to capture the different qualities that go into the feel of writing such as the touch of the pen, the movement on paper and the smudge of the ink. The gesture is valued above the content of what is written.

Participants can also contribute to the project online through Ecriture Infinite’s website by uploading videos of their handwriting.

The final book in the series is the product of a collaboration between the artist and Moleskine and is designed after the notebooks the latter is popular for.

Each contribution to the book is recorded emphasizing the experiential quality of writing

Source: PSFK