Runcible
'Runcible' is a nonsense word invented by Edward Lear in 1871. In his poetry, this neologism is used as an adjective to describe a range of nouns: a runcible spoon, raven, cat, wall, hat and goose. The word creates a semiotic gap in the text that cannot be resolved by the reader. These drawings situate Lear's 'Runcible' within a variety of scenarios and through a process of contextual shifting, the word suggests a multitude of meanings that conflict or contradict – The result is nonsense.
Drawings in this series were exhibited as part of WORDPLAY, an exhibition at 44AD artspace, Bath. Curated by Geoff Dunlop for Fringe Arts Bath.
