Since when?

Wednesday, 14th October 2009

After our discussion in class today, it is pretty clear that visual images surround us (or even bombard us) on a daily basis. But does their message always get through? Sometimes we consciously evaluate their message but sometimes we dont. As one example in class showed, sometimes we have a strong idea or preference for something based not on experience or fact or even personal favour...just based on the way that it is presented to us. It is important that we learn to realise HOW and WHY images are trying to shape meaning in us.

There are a lot of people who talk about 'visual literacy' as something only applicable to the technology age. While I agree that now, more than ever before, we have access to a wealth of visual texts...and are still learning how to negotiate them...I just thought I would take a minute to point out that visual meaning-making skills have been required for centuries.

Take for example, the system of Egyptian Hieroglyphs...or even the signs and symbols that went into forming our own alphabet.


In medieval times, many people (and almost all peasants) couldnt read. Examples of texts from this time show just how much artistry and images went onto the page.





(Here's an example from the Luttrell Psalter)


Under medieval 'feudal systems' (which you have probably studied in history) it was the peasants job to do all the work around a manor. Whether it was planting, harvesting, grinding, ploughing, collecting firewood or slaughtering animals....each month had particular jobs for peasants to complete. But how could they keep track of each job and each month? Calendars depicting the various labours were created out of stained glass and placed within churches. They were dependant on these images from season to season.

Here's another example. Have you ever been to an old cemetary? One where there are elaborate grave markers with big, ornate statues and signs and symbols. Most people today have no clue about these grave markers. We might think they are 'beautiful' (or creepy) but rarely think about what each symbol meant. Back in the 1800's, most people would have been able to interpret every marking on a tombstone. They understood that roses might have been symbolic of Christ or purity; that doves were symbolic of peace; that 'books' were symbolic of the Bible or the 'book of life' (described in the Bible). That even the very stones whether black and white marble, or golden sandstone, was intended to convey a particular message.


All this to say, that the idea of 'reading pictures' is not new. In many areas of life, it is a lost skill. In other areas of life, we are seeing demands for new skills never seen before.

HW- What are some examples of visual texts that surround you most in life? Do you enjoy online gaming? Are you a photography enthusiast? Television addict? Artist?
Do you seek them out, or do they seek you? Briefly describe.