Visual Literacy & Visual Culture
We have idea of what visual literacy is, so lets get you informed about what is visual culture... Visual culture derives from the idea of our culture as a whole having changed based on the visual. We are constantly fed visual images that ultimately influence how we all live in life. It is said that visual culture began during the age of printmaking (http://www.artandpopularculture.com/Visual_culture). Early work on visual culture has been done by John Berger (Ways of Seeing, 1972). "Thus, visual images are all around and our understanding of these images is deepened by using visual culture."(from International Congress of Aesthetics 2007 “Aesthetics Bridging Cultures” : Aesthetic Understanding through Visual Culture).
For this posting, I look forward to the commentary that you have concerning the issues of visual culture and the its effects on society at large. Use some practices of visual literacy and visual thinking strategies to discern what relationships the images could possible have with one another. Remember to describe what you see, then pull out those things that are familiar to use, and then tell what meaning you derived from the placement of the images.
Wow! Your absolutely right! This is an interesting topic because people fail to notice just how much we desire,and even rely on a visual stimulus in our day to day lives. It's interesting how our minds interpret the visual without our knowledge. I'm looking forward to reading more of your blog later. XD
ReplyDelete- Michael Morris (UNT, ART 1300; Salazar)
Briana Romero (UNT, ART 1300)
ReplyDeleteI tottally agree. I've noticed that so many everyday commercials use 'Sex' to sell their products. For example, the Herbal Essence Shampoo commerical. The woman looks like shes having the best time of her life cleaning her hair. When we all know in reality, shampooing hair is not that much 'fun'. But we forget that when buying it, because we want to have that same orgasmic experience. Another example are new car commercials. The setting is a desert or a winding road along side a mountain. The car is made to seem to be the fastest in the market, when in reality, everyday people that the company targets aren't in desolant deserts, they are stuck in 4 p.m. traffic on a Tuesday. Overrall, I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSteven Arzu (UNT, ART 1300; Salazar) said...
ReplyDeleteThis is really true! My art history teacher at BTWHSPVA first explained this my sophmore year. lol, Artists rule the world... we put out images that are represented thru manufacturing, the fashion industry, and in our everyday lifes. Its funny because people fail to notice how much we even rely on a visual stimulus in our everyday lives. --GO... ARTISTS!!!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAshley Laughlin (ART 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteI think stepping outside of these images and taking them as just that, is something many people forget to do these days. They see these photos and objects as positive pieces in a utopian hollywood society that they should strive for, when really, they are chosen by artists and companies to influence the public to see things the way they do; whether that is a positive or negative thing depends completely upon the individual object.
All I see are big name brands and celebrities that would catch any trend follower's attention. Big brands sell, even if they are ugly. My .02
ReplyDeleteMichael Nguyen Art 1300.001
From the placement of the pictures, I derived that certain visuals have made us into a materialistic society. We're made to believe that clothes and other things of monetary value expresses who we are as individuals. The media puts such an emphasis on image, it's really a shame.
ReplyDeleteKim Nguyen ART 1300.001
I totally agree and I think it's sad how this culture is now completely obsessed with image. Quality and personality are obsolete, everything and everyone is just an object to be modified into the best it can be. No one is flawless but it's the unobtainable goal that everyone strives for. I hate feeling this way but it seems like there isn't anyway around it.
ReplyDeleteKatherine Scholler (ART 1300 Salazar)
I think these images try and set the standard of what is beauty, fashion,style trend etc... Just alone each image has no meaning until they are associated with an product.For me the image of tyra banks,the one at the bottom in black in white,i think thats her..anyways.i have no idea what she is selling at all.But if i saw the picture of her next to make up it would make better sense.And so next time i see her i would think make up..I would only think of her as an product and no longer as an person.
ReplyDeleteNicholas Lacy (ART 1300)Salazar
I agree with your statement. The people in the pictures show you how great your life would be if you had the stuff being marketed. If you don't have the latest fashion or newest technology then you won't be as happy. The pictures say we are defined by what we own.
ReplyDeleteIvan Tomanek (ART 1300 Salazar)
I believe that they use these images to help sell merchandise through subtle suggestions in their image placements. Most of these images use movie stars to help sell their products which in turn gives the viewer the idea that if they buy this item then they just might look as good or the same as the movie star.
ReplyDelete-Matt Jones (ART 1300 Salazar)
Melinda Batey (ART1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteI think the main reason WHY America is so infatuated with cosumerism is because of these images. We see what these (made to be) beautiful people have, and we want it. We think that doing what they do, having what they have, will somehow grant us the perfect looks and seemingly rich and fun lifestyle .
Abdullah Al Shehri (ART 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteI think these images are a representation of what the current generation enjoys such as gold, fancy cars and luxury items.
Syed Zeeshan (ART 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteThese images are simply showing expensive and high living standards that people aim to achieve but rarely do, its an act of advertising and changing the standards of lifestyle.
Neelam Lalani (Art 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteThese things show what life is like if everyone has it. Similar to that photo prof. Salazar showed of alcohol i think where there wasnt any alcohol there was just a women.
Meagen Thompson (ART 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteSexuality, is one of the major themes throughout the visual references. Not only is sexuality continually seen throughout, but a sense of edgeness. The majority of these visuals combine both of them, in order to draw attention to viewers. This attracts viewers becuase most of these advertisments are geared to the 'average joe' who won't be able to afford most of these things or social status in their lifetime.
These are images of items that we as Americans strive to be able to buy someday. Most of the items are luxurious. You don't necessarily have to be rich to get these things but you have to be fairly well off.
ReplyDeleteJenna Liu (ART 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteof course, advertisers will use sexuality and images conformed to the modern sense of "beauty" and attractiveness, because no one is going to buy something if the images aren't desirable. by making a simple connotation between the product and beauty or sex, profits go up. people grow rich.
it appeals to our brains in the most primal way, such as sex and beauty, because it is something that is completely universal and appealing to all individuals.
in general, of course advertisers are going to a method that works on all individuals across the globe, tapping into not our intelligence, but our primal instincts. people like sex and beauty. advertisers like money.
I think the pictures are very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteRexford Frimpong (ART 1300; Salazar)
Diego Jimenez(Art 1300)
ReplyDeleteI agree that that are society is highly influence with surrounding images to appease desires.
James Boateng (Art 1300;Salazar)
ReplyDeletemost of the visual images used in magazines and on tv nowadays have some sexual content accompanying it, so much so that society is getting accustomed to this kind of imagery
Stacie Strouse(ART 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting blog. I have always had an interest in the effects visual stimulation has on people. I look forward to reading more of this blog in the future.
Stacie Strouse (ART 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting blog, I have always been interested in the effects visual stimulation has on people. I look forward to reading more of this blog in the future.
this is a real interesting concept i really enjoyed when you spoke to us in class and the jordans on here are fresh
ReplyDeleteI forgot to put i am in art 1300 at unt
ReplyDeleteInteresting blog Mary. I really liked your lecture in Class.
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog Mary! I really liked your lecture you gave in class. I found it interesting.
ReplyDeleteI believe that we are so bombarded by ads and visual stimuli that we as a culture are forced to filter everything we see constantly. Though we don't always pay attention consciously, our subconscious is constantly processing the images we see and many of the ads work themselves into our brain this way. If we see people dressed a certain way all the time but we don't consciously think about it, we get used to seeing things a certain way even though we don't realize it.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the lecture in class. I believe it is an interesting and broad topic. It got my attention a lot since I am an international student and have experienced different cultures. I will keep visiting this website for sure! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTugrul Aytac
(ART 1300, Salazar)
Malik KHAN (ART 1300-salazar)
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting and true.
Ali Raza (ART 1300-salazar)
ReplyDeleteI think the modern era has changed everything. Visually i have seen my culture change in front of me and i think it is very sad and disappointing that people would want to give up, what we should cherish most for whatever reason.
I agree with this. In today's society, everybody takes what they see and uses these images to influence their lives. Girls wanting to get name brand purses because they may see Beyonce with one or guys wanting to be the next rapper or next basketball because of the people they see in the media. All of the things that we see may not seem as if they affect us but in the long run we try to be like the images and the images are what mold us and make us.
ReplyDeleteJames Deadrick
(UNT, Art 1300, Salazar)
I think their is alot of truths to this theory because the first impression is appearance and what you see.Visualization is very affective, what we see over an over again we began to associate with how things should be or accepted
ReplyDeleteLindsey Hamilton
UNT,ART1300,Salazar
When I see this picture of Tyra Banks, i think of my favorite show, America's Next Top Model. is that an example of visual literacy?
ReplyDeleteMariel Brown (UNT, ART 1300; Salazar)
Mariel, Yes it is. What is done on this show? It deals completely with the visual image and how you can achieve these certain looks. You basically see young ladies striving to become this NEXT TOP MODEL, not just a model, but the Top Model. So the show is geared towards finding this one girl that can modify her self to fir into these perfect personas... Don't get me wrong, I love watching the show myself... but it teaches woman "oh I have to look a certain way to get such and such job" and here is where issues concerning 'body image' come into play... tall, gorgeous, striking, and skinny..I do applaud her(Tyra) for also including women that fit into the plus size category.
ReplyDeleteZhou Yujian(UNT, ART 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteThese images or advertacemnet are pretty good, but waht did them focus on? Shopping or just givings some imformation? They looks like not so clearly.
This is a very interesting topic for me because I think about how society is wrapped around media's finger all the time. Image sells. We are consumed by symbolism of sex and luxury whether we realize it or not. We're obsessed with "perfection" and because of that it controls how we live, think, and act.
ReplyDeleteSarah Avrett
UNT, Art 1300, Salazar
Jia Qi Sun(UNT, Art Aprreication, Salazar)
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the idea that visual literacy has changed our view about art. In modern society, art has become something that can be consumed and its value mostly depends on how much it can be purchased. Our judgement about about art is always related with the sense of worth of the society.
I agree with everyone's opinions on this topic. It's really interesting how our society is so heavily influenced by visuals. We are exposed to so many advertisements and images everyday, so it makes sense for advertisers to use bright colors, fast images,and sexual appeal to get main stream America's attention.
ReplyDeleteCaroline King
UNT, ART APP non majors 1300
Salazar
Joy Russell (art 1300) for non majors Salazar
ReplyDeleteI was reading some of the posted comments and agree with the ones that talk about visual art having alot of advertisement about sex. It's advertised everywhere! Beers had advertisement of being able to get a girl,soaps, shampoos. The visual of arts give people of vision of their own of what the product can do for them.
Cole Lovelace (Art 1300)
ReplyDeleteSex is around us but I also understand it.. It sells, what our monetary system is set up to do. More education on sex and a understanding of it's importance's to life and not as a "bad thing", might turn the outcome. Until then we will still remain confused and scared of the things we do not understand..
Exactly Cole, so that's why it is extremely important to "understand" the images that you look at.
ReplyDeleteI think it's incredibly sad that this is the example being set for our nation's youth today. It's horrible that this is the kind of images that our society is bombarded with just to make a quick buck. It makes me ask the question of what is next? How long until we lose all morals and pose completely nude to sell magazines or sports watches?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your time and I was really impressed with your blog as well as the message and information you were getting across.
Kaitlyn Cross
Art 1300
I think it's incredibly sad that this is the example being set for our nation's youth today. It's horrible that this is the kind of images that our society is bombarded with just to make a quick buck. It makes me ask the question of what is next? How long until we lose all morals and pose completely nude to sell magazines or sports watches?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your time and I was really impressed with your blog as well as the message and information you were getting across.
Kaitlyn Cross
Art 1300
Michael Chittenden UNT ART 1300 - Salazr
ReplyDeleteThe marketing of products, using sexual content in visual imagery, has been used for decades. They are selling a "fantasy" lifestyle to those who are unhappy with themselves. Ironically, most of the models in the ads are airbrushed becausee even they don't fit the advertisers expectations of "beautiful."
Jack Langston (UNT, ART 1300; Salazar)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting article and you still continue to see sex selling products. A recent study showed Axe leading the market in these kind of ads. I'll be sure to keep checking in.
Jack Langston
Sex sells, its a fact. Businesses know this and will continue to use sexy imagery to improve sells as long as the world revolves around money; which it does.
ReplyDeleteYAO LU (1300 salazar)
ReplyDeletevery attract people, your articles are very interesting. and the AD are almost the most fashion brands. i like it!! ^^
Ethan Houser (1300 Salazar)
ReplyDeleteI believe visual culture is the most important aspect of many things today: marketing, how we learn, amongst other things.
It is interesting to see what technology will bring, when it comes to visuals.