About

Participating in School for Poetic Computation (SFPC)’s Alternative Typographic Histories class, I conducted an in-depth investigation into jacquard weaving patterns and textile work as a form of alternative language. Jacquard weaving modernized the weaving process and introduced the binary code through its punch card system. Using the punch versus the unpunched system to weave intricate patterns, I wished to study the data of language in a similar format.

Current day, we rely on technologies to archive and utilize systems of language effectively and typing can be seen as a main tool for digital communication. How can type data store meaning beyond what is visible to the eye? What is an alternative interpretation of type language apart from its current usage? I unraveled the encoded keyboard alphabets as ASCII/UTF-8 code of binary strings (e.g. a = "01100001") to write a poem in a punchcard system. This encoded, alternative interpretation of the poem also honors the notion of patternmaking - like its own pixel art, the punchcard poem can be used for knitting, crocheting, and/or weaving to translate into textile art with a hidden message.

The final project was showcased as a class zine and a poster.