We live in a visual World.
We are exposed to visual images on a daily basis but few of us receive any formal education to help us interpret the messages they contain.
We are taught how to read and write in words and are able to understand verbal and written messages quite easily. Because of this education most of us can use the spoken or written word to transmit messages to others in an unambiguous way.
The absence of formal education in visual language means that we are
less able to gain meaning from the many visual messages we receive. Worryingly we are more to likely to misunderstand visual messages
because we cannot read the symbols or understand the vocabulary or
grammar.
We are much less able to take advantage of the enormous power that, well designed, visual messages have to communicate our ideas.
It is for these reasons that I want to try and gain an education in the symbols, vocabulary and grammar of Visual Language and I plan to chart my progress in future blog posts.
I hope that when I gain an understanding of visual language my photography will improve and I will be better able to create images that grab and hold peoples attention and communicate the messages I am trying to get across.
Re Part 2.
ReplyDeleteI cannot understand or have any idea how we could be formally educated to read or interpret a visual message that has been created by way of art. For example if only three people were presented with a painting, sketch or photograph they would all see and interpret it differently.
They may even be scouring for a message that quite simply is not there, thus taking away the enjoyment of what is in front of them. It was interesting yet incidental Chris, when we (Barrie Upton, you and me) walked around the German art exhibition in Leicester on 31 Oct 2019,and I asked you and Barrie " if you had to purchase one piece which one would you buy?". You and me both chose the same one but for similar yet different reasons, Barrie chose a different one for a completely different reason. If I remember correctly you saw the visual message of power or was it oppression? Whereas I saw comfort and freedom. the picture that Barrie chose saw the message from the artist portraying light. Just to be clear, You and I got the message literally from picture, we hadn't considered the artist. Barrie (in my opinion) didn't get a message, he would have bought his picture for how the artist gave the picture light. Unless the message is blatantly obvious like a road sign indicating a one way street the message rightly or wrongly is in the eye of the beholder. If again we three read the same book all the words are the same they do not change, however in our individual minds eye we visualise a different picture or scene. Think of a Palindrome (not quite the same but it's my analogy) we read words and create a vision, we see a picture and in our mind we make the words. Does it matter if we don't see the message or the story in art? If a message is not obvious and words do not accompany the artwork, then we should just enjoy what we see without beating ourselves up looking for the story. i think art is one of the most controversial industries that at times I have to think that money will follow the famous or infamous rather than true talent.
Thank you for taking the trouble to read and comment on part 2 of my blog.
DeleteI agree that there is much more ambiguity in visual messages than in those conveyed by the written word.
The advertising industry relies upon and thrives because ,despite the potential ambiguity, there is likely to be a "majority reaction" to an image that makes its creation worthwhile.
The one thing that is clear is that some images have the power to create an emotional reaction in those viewers who are susceptible. I am finding that a small proportion of images capture my interest and make me want to look more closely while others warrant only a quick glance. I have called such images "arresting". I am aware I don't have the vocabulary to describe why this is the case. Maybe this will come with time.
The one thing that is clear is that the art world is plagued by people with " the emperors new clothes" syndrome. I think the Format Festivals in Derby are a really good example of this as many of the displays got rave reviews but left me cold.
I very much enjoyed responding to your comment and will now read your second one.
See you soon.
Your analogy of " the emperor's new clothes" is perfect and sits very much with me also.
ReplyDeleteWords often fail me too,I get a picture in my mind of what I want to say but the words don't get formulated to be vocalized.
I wonder how many people go to galleries and say how wonderful the work is despite failing to be moved in any way?
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