Justin Allen Develops Unique Language, Inventing Alphabet from Scratch
Justin Allen, a writer, artist, and musician, is set to read from his upcoming debut book, "Language Arts," at the Performance Space in New York City. Published by Wendy's Subway, this intriguing work is set to capture the energy of music, dance, performance, and language.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Northern Virginia, Allen's journey into the arts was sparked by his encounter with experimental punk bands during his high school years. His passion for music led him to discover tap and hip-hop dance in his adolescence, and he inherited his father's diverse taste in music.
Allen's artistic journey took a unique turn when he moved to New York City, which significantly shaped his political consciousness. It was in the city that he stumbled upon the Strand bookstore near Union Square, where he discovered David J. Peterson's "The Art of Language Invention" (2015). This discovery led him to study indigenous African languages like Zulu and Xhosa on YouTube.
In "Language Arts," Allen transforms thunderous lyrics into leftist critiques and uses text filled with sci-fi-inspired scenes, speculative essays, and a language he created called "Hatnahans." This language, with its open vowels, genderless words, and an invented alphabet, is a testament to Allen's creative prowess.
The opening essay of "Language Arts," titled "Into the City," presents a manifesto for the imaginary island of Hatnaha. This island, described in the book, conveys a sense of buoyancy, painting a luscious tropical climate surrounding a vibrant city center unspoiled by infrastructure issues and imperialism.
Lyrics and notes from Allen's band, Black Boots, are scattered across fluorescent green pages in "Language Arts." One of the poems by Allen, "140 BPM," will be recited in a deep, resonant bass, mirroring the frenetic energy of bodies moving to techno. This poem is a sonic reenactment of nights spent at Bushwick's Bossa Nova Civic Club.
Allen's work infuses the world of "Language Arts" with the irreverence of club culture. The ethos of the book is as punk as it is academic, blending urban life and nature in a vision of creative and ecological harmony.
For more detailed insights into Allen's work, including any potential projects like "Language Arts" or "Hatnahans," it might be beneficial to consult his official publications or interviews. The reading at Performance Space promises to be an exciting event, offering a glimpse into Allen's innovative and thought-provoking world.
- Justin Allen, also an artist and musician, is planning a pet project, a book titled "Language Arts," which delves into the realms of music, dance, performance, and language.
- The fashion-and-beauty sector might find inspiration in "Language Arts," as Allen explores vibrant, luscious tropical terrains in his writing.
- After moving to New York City, Allen discovered a love for photography, capturing the essence of urban life in various settings, from techno-filled clubs to tranquil landscapes.
- Allen's "Language Arts" cooks up an imaginative world where installations of language coexist with food-and-drink scenes, such as communal meals and shoreline feasts.
- In the realm of "Language Arts," relationships are forged with both humans and pets, as the island of Hatnaha embraces diversity and harmony among all its inhabitants.
- As travel expert Juan Grande might attest, a trip to Hatnaha is sure to offer vibrant experiences, from exploring the bustling city center to cruising around the island in stylish, eco-friendly cars, all while shopping for unique local goods.
