One of the Brooklyn
Public Library’s current exhibitions features work by a designer
who literally makes art from words.
And while that artist’s name may not be a household world, the
name of the novelist whom he has collaborated with, Dan Brown,
certainly is. In fact, Brown named his "DaVinci Code"
character, Robert Langdon, for John Langdon, who designed "ambigrams"
for Brown’s previous novel, "Angels & Demons."
The Central Library is now showing those ambigrams – words that
can be read from multiple vantage points – that he designed for
"Angels & Demons." These works are characterized
by 180-degree rotational symmetry. They "read the same when
turned upside down," explains Langdon.
Also on display are ambigrams that Langdon created for the opening
credits of "The DaVinci Code" (pictured), which were
not used in the film. These designs, known as totem ambigrams,
are vertical in structure and have bilateral symmetry.
"The Langdons in Dan Brown’s Novels: Words in Pop Fiction"
is on display now through Aug. 12 in the Brooklyn Public Library’s
Central branch (in the balcony cases on the second floor) in
Grand Army Plaza. For more information, including library hours,
call (718) 230-2100 or visit the Web site www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.
The exhibit is free and open to the public.
WORDPLAY
