Code Talking: Word and Symbol as Image

“Code Talking: Word and Symbol as Image”

"Code Talking: Word and Symbol as Image" was my solo show at the now defunct Leich Lathrop Gallery in Albuquerque's Old Town.  It included twenty works exploring the language aspect of identity.  Here is my artist's statement from the show as well as some of the works.

Artist's Statement for "Code Talking."

My work is invariably about identity, as shaped by place, language and genetics and revealed in the mark making unique to each person.

Encaustic (pigmented wax) is my primary medium. The surfaces on which I work are paper, Baltic birch plywood, and encausticbord. I create series of paintings rather than single works so that I can fully explore a subject or idea. My technique involves layering my materials. Layers give the work the physical and psychological depth that I want.

This body of work explores the language aspect of identity, as it is manifested in all kinds of codes. From ancient glyphs to contemporary texting, humans have been amazingly inventive in creating secret ways to communicate with one another.

Technology has made such secret communication more accessible and faster.

"Genetic Marker #1." 2012.  Mixed media.  13 x 13."

Technlogy has made such secret communication more accessible and faster.  But accessibilitly and speed have come at a cost.  The internet, e-mail, Facebook and other "social media" can be weapons as well as "friends."  There is ample opportunity for government spying, leaking secrets, and making serious mistakes.  Where disgruntled spouses once hired private eyes, attorneys now mine the internet to gather evidence for their divorce clients.  It is readily, shamelessly available.  The internet provides materialistic cultures yet more avenues for shopping, even as the so-called "Third World" peoples create revolutions with it














Some of the new codes are visually quite beautiful, especially the QR (quick response) codes, which a Los Angeles artist has likened to Navajo rug weavings. I have also used them in this exhibition. 

Texting has created an entirely new language and spelling system. Some text codes are used by children to keep information from their parents: KPC=keep parents clueless; 9=parent is watching; and 99=parent is no longer watching. 

Other texting codes set up sexual encounters: GNOC=get naked on cam. Some are hilariously insulting and sexist: BOBFOC=body off Baywatch, face off Crimewatch. One of my favorites is: IITLYTO (if it’s too loud, you’re too old). I detest contemporary assaults on silence, such as obnoxious music in restaurants.

Language embodies culture, so contemporary codes say a lot about both who we are as a people and as individuals. It’s difficult to make ethical judgments about the astonishing changes being wrought by new codes. We can only try to understand them.           

Harriette Tsosie
October 2013

Piano Roll #2.  Mixed media/panel. 30 x 24'

Piano Roll #3.  Mixed media/panel.  30 x 24"

Advent.  Mixed media/panel. 30 x 24"