Visual Arts, Columbia University, New York

This course examines ways of looking and ways of seeing, both personally & professionally as artists and in a larger cultural context. Through field trips to contemporary art and other cultural sites, conversations with visiting critical thinkers and practicioners, readings, discussions, and visual & written responses, we will examine how we look, think, act, create and respond--critically questioning our own artistic practices and ways of looking at the world.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

What is an Image (MA)


What Is An Image?

            An image can be our most primal form of communication as well as our most complicated form of communication. We cannot escape images, yet, they are not a prison, they are expressions of freedom. An image can separate or it can connect. An image can be universal or it can be personal. An image can be fact or fiction. An image can be an idea or a command. An image can be good or bad. An image can be funny or serious. An image can be strong or weak. An image can be free or expensive. An image can be offensive or pleasant. An image can be theirs or ours. An image can be true or false. An image can be god or devil. An image can be dirty or clean. An image can be G or XXX. An image can be clear or blurred. An image can be interesting or boring. An image can be bright or dark. An image can be sweet or sour. An image can be words or pictures. An image can be seen with eyes open or closed. An image can originate from anywhere. An image can be made or taken. An image can be passive or aggressive. An image can be foreign or domestic. An image can be taken out of context. An image can be persuasive. An image can clarify or mislead. An image can be black and white or color. An image can be lost or found. An image can be loud or silent. An image can be imposing or modest. An image can be round or flat. An image can be right or wrong. An image can be graven. An image can be captured or shared. Image Comics. Image Awards. An image can be confusing. An image can be yours or mine. An image can be textured or flat. An image can be described. An image can be processed or natural. An image can be turned upside down. An image can be useless. An image can be useful. An image can be old or new. An image can be symbolic. Image = 1000 words. An image can be placed or removed. An image can be digital. An image can be a part of a collage or isolated. An image can be uploaded or deleted. An image can be edited. An image can be digitally remastered. An image can be language. An image can be love or hate. An image can be beautiful or ugly. Stock image. Royalty free image. An image can be still or move. An image can be positive or negative. An image can be powerful. The more I think about what an image could be, the more I realize that I may never have an answer. An image is infinity. An image is omnipotent. An image is God. 

No comments:

Post a Comment