Why We Enjoy Typography in Art 

Combining Words and Pictures to Inspire

Typography has played a role in the art world for decades, and there’s no sign of that influence diminishing. 

A wonderful example is Robert Indiana's iconic Love sculptures, whose installations began in the 1960’s. Originally a canvas design, it was selected as a Museum of Modern Art Christmas card in 1965. This simple image of the stacked letters with a tilted ‘O’ has become a message of the power of love shared across the world ever since and is still recreated in many forms today.

This use of words and symbols was a key element of the Pop Art movement at the time, a movement that influences many of our contemporary artists today.

It’s Not Just What You Say, But How You Say It...

Here at The Rose Gallery, we have our own typography expert, Dinah. Having started her career as a typesetter in an advertising agency, she told us, ‘ I thought I’d found my vocation and loved the thrill, fun and quick pace of it’. Creating her own ‘artworks’ for magazines and stationery is such a skill and has left Dinah with a real appreciation for the beauty of typography. 

If you enjoy bold, dramatic messages, we have some well-loved and new-to-the-scene artists bringing us wonderful Typographic work at the moment. Here are some of our favourites.

The Real Hackney Dave

With bright colours, bold lettering, pithy insights, and backgrounds to explore, the works of the Real Hackney Dave have a lot going on. A contemporary artist who uses screen printing techniques and typography to bring something new to vintage maps, the Real Hackney Dave inspires us to map out a new worldview. Catching the eye with bright neons, bold white, or a touch of glitter, his messages bring positivity and humour that spark a smile. Have a look at more of his work here. 

Doug Hyde

One of the nation's favourite artists, Doug Hyde has consistently written messages of love into his artworks. His latest collection Pieces of Love, brings together a selection of sculptures, mixed media, and limited-edition artworks which homage Robert Indiana’s Love sculptures. 
Have a look at Doug Hyde's artwork here. 

The Connor Brothers

With their retro imagery and impactful colours, The Connor Brothers bring us their twist on icons of the past. Whether reflecting 50’s style movie posters or classic penguin paperbacks, their pieces use typography and wit to tell their story. See the works of The Connor Brothers here.

Mr Brainwash

Urban artwork as a genre owes a lot to graffiti and street art. Taking this a step further, Mr Brainwash captures moods through typography - whether it’s from the spray can, pop art styling, or newspaper print. Have a look through our Mr Brainwash collection here.

If you’d like to find out more about typography in our artworks, we’d love to hear from you.