Fashion
Artist Paul Chan Revisits One of the 20th Century’s Greatest Thinkers in Playful New Drawings
Each drawing relates to one of the 5,968 words in Ludwig Wittgenstein’s “Wörterbuch für Volksschulen,” ranging from die Amsel, a solitary blackbird, to das Abendmahl, or “Last Supper,” a dozen festive figures dining on pizza….
Who knew that the 20th-century philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote a textbook for children? Paul Chan did. Chan is an artist and the founder of Badlands Unlimited, which has just brought out Word Book, the first English-language edition of Wittgenstein’s Wörterbuch für Volksschulen (Dictionary for Elementary Schools) from 1926. Chan also provided the illustrations—ink drawings made with his non-dominant (left) hand—which manage somewhat miraculously to convey both child-like playfulness and sophisticated meaning. Each drawing relates to one of the 5,968 words in Wittgenstein’s lexicon, ranging from die Amsel, a solitary blackbird, to das Abendmahl, or “Last Supper,” a dozen festive figures dining on pizza. A lot more drawings are on view in Chan’s current exhibition at Greene Naftali Gallery, many of them very large—twelve feet high or wide.
Wittgenstein, who came from one of the richest families in Austria, had already published his game-changing Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus—a metaphysical inquiry into the workings of language—when he decided to give away all his money, and teach the fourth-to-sixth grade children of farmers and factory workers in rural communities from 1920 to 1926. Since the only two dictionaries available to them were either too expensive or inadequate, he wrote one himself.
“Word Book to me is a testament to how a mind changes, if one is willing to learn from others, especially kids, and if one is willing to let go of a certain idea about who one happens to be,” Chan tells me. “After his time teaching in rural Austria, Wittgenstein slowly realized his philosophy was fundamentally wrong. He spent the rest of his life re-writing his thoughts, and in the process, changing his life and mind. Stories about what it means to change are always meaningful to me. This is why I published this book, and why I’m publishing it now.”
Below, Chan discusses Word Book with an apt critic—his young daughter, Ruby.
Publisher’s note: The following interview took place on November 2, 2020, between Ruby Chan (the publisher’s nine-year-old daughter, a fourth grader and the same age as Wittgenstein’s youngest students) and the publisher, posing in an online chat as Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Wittgenstein: Dear Ms. Ruby Chan, I am very pleased that you have agreed to talk to me about my book.
Ruby: My dad said if I did this he would let me watch my iPad.
Wittgenstein: Have you read the book?
Ruby: It’s a dictionary.
Wittgenstein: Have you opened it at least?
Ruby: Yeah, it’s pretty. I like the red cover and the drawings. They’re funny and weird. Kinda like my dad.
Wittgenstein: What about the words, what do you think of the words?
Ruby: I like them. Did your students have to memorize all the words?
Wittgenstein: No, just the ones I thought they each needed.
Ruby: My dad said you are a philosopher.
Wittgenstein: People say that.
Ruby: Why is the word “philosophy” not in the book?
Wittgenstein: Why do you care about philosophy?
Ruby: I don’t. It’s really boring. But dad likes it. He has fun reading it. I don’t understand why.
Wittgenstein: Do you like reading?
Ruby: I love it sooooo much! Percy Jackson, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Harry Potter….
Wittgenstein: What does it feel like when you read?
Ruby: It feels so fun and cool. I see pictures in my mind. Also “ships.”
Wittgenstein: Words draw pictures of worlds for us in our minds, don’t they?
Ruby: That’s literally what I just said.
Wittgenstein: That’s why I wrote the book: to give my students bigger worlds to find themselves in.
Ruby: That’s cool. Who’s Bettina?
Wittgenstein: She translated the book from the language I originally wrote the book in into English.
Ruby: Dad said I had to read her essay before I talked to you.
Wittgenstein: What did you think of her translator’s preface?
Ruby: I liked it. I like that she’s a mom. She wrote being a mom helped her translate the book.
Wittgenstein: It’s interesting, this idea, isn’t it?
Ruby: What does the Hundred Year’s War mean?
Wittgenstein: Ask your dad.
Ruby: Nah, I’ll google it.
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Artist Spotlight
Shreyaa Sumi: A Red Carpet Sensation with a Story of Triumph
In the glitzy world of fashion and entertainment, certain personalities shine bright, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. One such luminary is Shreyaa Sumi, a multi-talented individual who has left an indelible mark on the global fashion scene. Shreyaa has become a symbol of success, juggling roles as an American model, actress, and a devoted wife and mother. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of this accomplished individual who recently graced the Los Angeles fashion show with her stunning presence.
Red Carpet Glamour at Los Angeles Fashion Show:
Shreyaa Sumi recently stole the spotlight at a Los Angeles fashion show, turning heads with her radiant red look. The Instagram sensation posted a video flaunting her glamorous ensemble – a short and sassy red dress paired with long black shoes and a chic red jacket. The caption, “What time is it? It’s showtime! Thank you for inviting me to your private NY Red Carpet event,” exuded confidence and excitement. The location tag placed her at the heart of the entertainment world – Los Angeles, Hollywood.
Early Life and Modelling Beginnings:
Shreyaa Sumi embarked on her modeling journey in India, where her passion for fashion and media first took root. However, it wasn’t until she moved to the United States with her husband Vijai, that she decided to pursue her dreams on an international scale. From that point forward, there was no looking back for Shreyaa.
Family and Personal Life:
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Shreyaa Sumi is a proud wife to Vijai and a doting mother to her daughter, Sia Vijai. Her ability to balance a thriving career with family life is a testament to her resilience and dedication. In media interviews, Shreyaa has openly shared how her family has been her pillar of support, standing by her throughout her journey to turn dreams into reality.
Awards and Accolades:
Shreyaa Sumi’s success in the fashion industry is underscored by a slew of prestigious awards. In 2022, she clinched the title of Mrs Universe Asia USA, a testament to her excellence on the international stage. Additionally, she has been honored with a doctorate, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the fields of media and fashion. Shreyaa also holds the Asia’s Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement Award, further solidifying her status as an industry trailblazer.
Shreyaa Sumi’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and unwavering determination. From her modest beginnings in Tamilnadu, India, to gracing the red carpet in Hollywood, she has come a long way. As an American model, actress, and a devoted wife and mother, Shreyaa Sumi continues to inspire aspiring individuals in the fashion and entertainment industry. With a string of accolades to her name and a supportive family by her side, Shreyaa is indeed a force to be reckoned with in the world of glamour and fame.
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