The Hieroglyphics Of Capital

The author's latest artists book explores the relationship between mark, word, and image, using a Webdings font enhanced in color to render Marx's text into configurations of modern hieroglyphics. This is only possible through digital technology, enabling the reader to investigate Marx's theory of fetishism in a new way.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

This captivating new artist's book marks the latest installment in a series by the author, delving into the intricate interplay between mark, word, and image. In 1862, Karl Marx embarked on a memorable journey with his French colleague, Ferdinand Lassalle, to the British Museum. Their visit was centered around the iconic The Rosetta Stone, a monumental artifact that played a pivotal role in the revolutionary decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics. A few decades prior, in 1822, the stone's tripartite script, inscribed in hieroglyphic, demotic, and Greek characters, proved instrumental in unlocking the mysteries of ancient Egypt.

In his profound work, "The Fetishism of the Commodity and Its Secret in Capital I," published in 1867, shortly after his visit to the British Museum, Marx made a groundbreaking assertion. He stated that, "Value... transforms every product of labor into a social hieroglyphic." To bring his theory to life, the artist has employed a unique font, enhanced with vibrant colors, to precisely render Marx's text into intricate configurations of modern hieroglyphics. The singular typeface and generous character spacing of this artistic book create an immersive experience for the reader, allowing them to examine and explore Marx's profound concept of fetishism in a fresh and innovative manner.

The ability to translate Marx's seminal work into such a contemporary form is a testament to the remarkable advancements in digital technology. This artistic endeavor showcases the seamless fusion of historical significance and artistic innovation, offering a fresh perspective on Marx's timeless insights and captivating the reader with its visual allure.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805143307