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.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

What is an Image?

An image is a visual that is consciously chosen by an individual. All things seen are not an image, an image has to be selected. Throughout the day we perceive a constant stream of visual information, yet we each choose to recall certain of these moments. These remembered moments are images. They can be both a complete scene of something perceived or a composite of different moments brought together to form an alternative reality or even abstraction. An image can be triggered by a non visual aid, but the image itself is inherently visual.
Given this definition, images vary from person to person. An image for one person is not an image for the next necessarily. I guess this is where art comes in as it is a physical form of an image so it can be shared. I can describe an image I have but each will picture it differently. It is only through art that my image to be shared in its true form.
Anything has the potential to be an image, even this text. The choice is yours.

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