Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Calauan Campus

GEED 20093
Reading the Visual Arts

LESSON 1: Introduction to Reading the Visual Arts

I. Introduction to Reading Visual Arts

Reading Visual Arts is the process of interpreting, analyzing, and understanding visual images, artworks, or
visual elements in the same way we would read and interpret a written text. It involves examining the formal
qualities (such as color, line, texture, and composition) and the symbolic meaning embedded within an artwork
to gain a deeper understanding of the messages, ideas, emotions, and cultural context that the artist seeks to
convey.

Visual arts encompass a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, film, and
digital art. Each medium has its own language of symbols, techniques, and forms of expression that
communicate with viewers on a visual level. The practice of "reading" art, therefore, requires developing a form
of visual literacy, a skill that allows individuals to decode and interpret the visual world effectively.

Why Visual Arts are Considered 'Readable'

Artworks are sometimes described as “visual texts” because they tell stories, express ideas, and represent
concepts through visual means. Just as we read and analyze written works for structure, meaning, and tone,
visual arts also possess elements that serve similar functions. Artists use composition, color, texture, and
symbols to communicate ideas or evoke emotional responses.

The idea of “reading” art comes from the fact that these visual elements are intentionally arranged to deliver a
message. When we look at a painting or photograph, we don’t just see it passively; we engage with it by asking
questions like:

• What is the subject of the artwork?

• What mood or emotion is being conveyed?
• How do color, light, and shapes influence the viewer’s interpretation?
• What deeper cultural, historical, or symbolic meanings are present?

By thinking critically and examining the layers of meaning in an artwork, we can interpret it as we would a
written story, poem, or essay.

The Key Elements of Visual Arts

To effectively "read" visual arts, we must first understand the key visual elements that artists use to construct
meaning:

1. Subject Matter
The subject matter refers to what is depicted in the artwork. It could be a person, object, landscape,
abstract form, or conceptual idea. The subject helps viewers begin to understand the overall theme of
the work. For example, a portrait suggests focus on human expression or identity, while a landscape
may explore the relationship between humans and nature.
2. Composition and Form
The arrangement of objects, figures, and space within an artwork is called the composition. This is
crucial to guiding the viewer’s eye and shaping their interpretation. Artists use compositional
techniques such as balance, symmetry, and the rule of thirds to create a visual flow or to emphasize
particular aspects of their work. For instance, in a painting where the main figure is centered and
brightly lit, the artist is likely directing the viewer's attention to that figure as the focal point.
3. Color and Light
Color is one of the most powerful tools in visual arts. Different colors evoke different emotions and
responses. Warm colors (reds, yellows, oranges) often express energy, passion, or aggression, while
cool colors (blues, greens, purples) may evoke calm, melancholy, or distance. Additionally, the
intensity and contrast of light and shadow (known as chiaroscuro in painting) create depth and drama
in an artwork. The manipulation of light and dark can suggest mood and focus attention on key
aspects of the image.
4. Texture and Surface Quality
Texture refers to the perceived surface quality of the artwork, whether it is real or implied. In painting,
 an artist may use thick brushstrokes to create a tactile, rough texture, while smooth, detailed lines may
create a more polished and controlled surface. In sculpture, texture is often actual and can be touched,
affecting the viewer's interaction with the piece.
5. Lines and Shapes
Lines and shapes guide the movement of the viewer’s eye across the artwork. Straight lines might
suggest rigidity, structure, or control, while curved lines could evoke fluidity, softness, or movement.
Geometric shapes tend to feel stable and organized, while organic shapes appear more natural and
free-flowing.
6. Symbolism and Iconography
Many artworks contain symbols, objects, or motifs that represent ideas, beliefs, or narratives beyond
their literal meaning. For example, a dove in Christian art symbolizes peace or the Holy Spirit, while a
skull in Renaissance paintings often signifies mortality (memento mori). Interpreting these symbols
requires an understanding of cultural, religious, or historical contexts in which the artwork was
created.

The Role of Context in Visual Arts Interpretation

Art does not exist in a vacuum—it is created within specific cultural, historical, social, and personal contexts
that deeply influence its meaning. To fully “read” a piece of visual art, it is important to consider the following
contexts:

1. Historical Context
Understanding the time period when the artwork was created can provide insight into its themes and
purpose. For instance, many paintings from the Renaissance reflect religious themes and humanism,
while modernist artworks often challenge traditional forms and express more abstract or conceptual
ideas. Knowing the historical background can help explain an artist’s choices.
2. Cultural Context
Art is also deeply rooted in cultural traditions and values. The way people, objects, or themes are
represented in art can reveal much about a particular society’s beliefs, norms, and worldview. For
example, African masks have profound spiritual meanings that relate to ceremonies and tribal
identities, while Japanese ukiyo-e prints reflect the transience of life and pleasure.
3. Artist’s Intent
Understanding the artist’s personal motivations and experiences can add another layer of meaning to
the artwork. Some artists use their works to comment on political events, express personal struggles,
or explore philosophical ideas. For example, Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits often reflect her physical
pain and emotional struggles, offering intimate glimpses into her life.
4. Viewer's Perspective
Interpretation is also subjective—different viewers might derive different meanings from the same
artwork based on their own experiences, backgrounds, and emotions. Thus, reading visual arts is a
dynamic process, where personal engagement with the art adds layers to its interpretation.

The Importance of Visual Literacy

Developing visual literacy—the ability to interpret and make meaning from visual images—is an essential skill
in our image-saturated world. With the rise of digital media, advertising, and visual communication, being able
to "read" visual arts allows individuals to critically engage with visual messages, whether they are fine art,
advertisements, or social media content.

Visual literacy encourages deeper thinking and creativity. It enables us to appreciate art beyond its aesthetic
qualities, to see it as a form of communication that reflects human experiences, cultural shifts, and historical
moments.

Conclusion: The Power of Visual Arts

Reading visual arts is a profound way of engaging with the world. It allows us to explore diverse perspectives,
cultures, and ideas through visual means, enriching our understanding of both art and life. By learning to analyze
and interpret visual elements, we enhance our ability to critically assess not only artworks but also the everyday
images that surround us. This skill fosters a deeper connection to creativity, communication, and the human
experience.

II. Seeing as reading

Seeing as reading refers to the concept that visual perception, like reading, involves interpretation and
understanding. In this view, seeing is not just a passive reception of visual data but an active process of making
meaning from what is seen, similar to how we extract meaning from text. Here are some key techniques or ideas
related to this concept:

1. Use of Cultural and Social Context:

• Preconceptions: Just like reading a text, seeing is influenced by our prior knowledge, experiences, and
the cultural context in which we live. What we see is filtered through these preconceptions.
• Semiotics: Images, like words, are signs that carry meaning. Understanding an image requires
familiarity with the symbols and conventions that it uses.

2. Use of Framing:

• Composition and Focus: The way an image or scene is framed can guide our attention, just as
paragraph structure or punctuation can guide reading. Photographers, filmmakers, and artists frame their
work in ways that direct how the viewer "reads" the image.
• Selective Seeing: Just as reading involves focusing on certain words or phrases, seeing can involve
focusing on particular elements of an image or scene while ignoring others. This selectivity shapes
interpretation.

3. Use of Metaphor and Symbolism:

• Visual Metaphor: Just like language, visuals can be metaphorical. For instance, an image of a stormy
sky might be interpreted as representing emotional turmoil. Seeing the metaphor in visuals requires a
process similar to reading between the lines.
• Symbolism: Recognizing symbols in visual art or everyday life is akin to recognizing symbolic
language in a text. A cross, for example, is more than just a shape—it carries layers of meaning
depending on cultural and religious context.

4. Narrative Structure:

• Storytelling in Visuals: Visuals can tell a story, either through a single image or a sequence of images.
Just as we read a narrative from beginning to end, we might "read" a visual narrative by connecting
elements in an image to form a story.
• Temporal Flow: In film and sequential art (like comics), the passage of time is conveyed visually,
requiring viewers to interpret the sequence as they would read the flow of time in a story.

5. Perspective and Point of View:

• Visual Perspective: The angle or viewpoint from which something is seen can affect its meaning, much
like a narrative's point of view in a text. For example, a bird’s-eye view may convey a sense of power
or detachment, while a close-up shot may create intimacy or intensity.
• Interpretative Gaze: The concept of the "gaze" in art and film theory suggests that how we look at
things is not neutral. Who is looking and how they are looking (the male gaze, the colonial gaze, etc.)
shapes the meaning, much as the narrator’s perspective does in reading.

6. Decoding:

• Reading Visual Codes: Just as written language follows grammatical rules, visual images often follow
certain codes or conventions that must be "read" or decoded. Understanding lighting, color, perspective,
and composition is necessary for interpreting an image.
• Layered Meanings: Some visuals contain layers of meaning that are not immediately obvious,
requiring a deeper "reading" to uncover them—like analyzing subtext in a literary work.

7. Active Engagement:

• Critical Viewing: Similar to how we engage critically with a text, actively looking at an image involves
questioning its purpose, context, and meaning. What does this image say? Why was it created? Who
benefits from its portrayal?

This idea of seeing as reading suggests that our visual experiences are deeply interpretative, cultural, and
contextual, requiring a skill set similar to literacy in language.

III. Seeing as Conscious or Unconscious

The concept of "seeing as conscious or unconscious" refers to the distinction between the conscious and
unconscious aspects of visual perception. Seeing is not always a fully conscious process; it can occur both at an
intentional, deliberate level (conscious) and at a more automatic, instinctual level (unconscious). Here’s how
these two aspects manifest:

1. Conscious Seeing:

• Active Perception: When we consciously focus on what we are looking at, we make deliberate choices
about what to notice, how to interpret it, and how to respond. This is akin to active, critical thinking or
reading.
• Intentionality: In conscious seeing, we have an intention or purpose behind looking. For example,
examining a painting in an art gallery, or reading someone's facial expressions during a conversation.
• Reflection and Interpretation: Conscious seeing involves reflection on what is being seen and
sometimes leads to a deeper understanding. This is more analytical and requires higher cognitive
functions. For example, studying an image in detail or trying to discern the meaning behind an abstract
artwork.
• Attention and Focus: Conscious seeing demands focus. In this mode, we are actively concentrating on
certain visual stimuli while filtering out distractions. For instance, focusing on a road sign while driving
or searching for specific details in a complex image.

2. Unconscious Seeing:

• Automatic Perception: Much of what we see is processed unconsciously, meaning that we are not
aware of it or we process it without intentional thought. This occurs at a rapid and instinctual level,
allowing us to navigate the world efficiently. For instance, recognizing familiar faces or quickly
detecting movement in our peripheral vision without deliberate thought.
• Subliminal Influence: Images or visual stimuli can influence our thoughts and behavior without us
being fully aware of them. Advertisements, for example, often rely on unconscious seeing, using colors,
shapes, or imagery to create associations that influence consumer behavior.
• Pre-attentive Processing: Before we consciously decide to focus on something, our brain is already
processing visual information, sorting it into categories (e.g., danger, safety, familiarity). This helps us
make quick decisions without consciously analyzing all incoming visual data.
• Pattern Recognition: Unconscious seeing plays a big role in recognizing patterns, such as the familiar
shapes of letters when we read or faces in a crowd. We may not always be aware of how our brain
organizes these patterns, yet we respond to them efficiently.
• Implicit Biases: Unconscious seeing can be shaped by implicit biases, which are beliefs or attitudes
that affect our perceptions without us being aware of them. These biases may influence how we "see"
people based on race, gender, or other social categories, affecting our behavior without conscious intent.

3. Interaction Between Conscious and Unconscious Seeing:

• Blended Experience: In reality, seeing often involves a combination of both conscious and unconscious
processes. For instance, when you walk into a room, you unconsciously take in the layout and colors,
but if something catches your eye—a painting, a person, an unusual object—you might switch to
conscious perception.
• Training the Mind: Artists, scientists, and others who work closely with visual data often train
themselves to be more consciously aware of visual details that others might process unconsciously. For
instance, a radiologist might train themselves to see patterns in X-rays that would go unnoticed by a
layperson.
• Bringing the Unconscious to Awareness: Techniques such as mindfulness or visual training exercises
can help bring unconscious seeing into conscious awareness, allowing individuals to notice things they
might otherwise overlook.

4. Visual Illusions:

• Perceptual Illusions: Visual illusions demonstrate the gap between unconscious and conscious seeing.
Our brain often makes assumptions about what we are seeing (based on past experience or visual
shortcuts), leading to errors in perception that we might not realize until we focus consciously.
• Revealing Cognitive Processes: Studying illusions can highlight how much of seeing is unconscious.
For example, optical illusions work by exploiting how the brain processes shapes, depth, and colors
automatically, without our conscious awareness.

5. Role in Decision-Making:
 • Fast vs. Slow Thinking: Psychologist Daniel Kahneman describes two types of thinking: System 1
(fast, unconscious) and System 2 (slow, conscious). Much of our seeing operates on System 1, where
quick, unconscious visual processing helps us make rapid decisions, like avoiding an obstacle or
recognizing a familiar face.
• Visual Cues and Judgments: When we meet someone for the first time, we might unconsciously assess
their body language, facial expressions, and appearance. These unconscious visual cues can influence
our judgments, even before we consciously form an opinion.

6. Emotional Responses:

• Automatic Emotional Reactions: Seeing can trigger emotional responses without conscious thought.
For example, seeing a loved one after a long time can bring instant joy, or seeing an image of danger
(like a snake or a fire) might elicit fear before the conscious mind has time to process the details.
• Visual Conditioning: Over time, our brains can associate certain images with emotions. This can
happen unconsciously, so that seeing a certain color or symbol automatically evokes a specific feeling,
even without us realizing the connection.

In sum, conscious seeing is deliberate, reflective, and controlled, while unconscious seeing is automatic, fast,
and influenced by deep cognitive processes. Both forms of seeing are constantly interacting, shaping how we
perceive and respond to the world around us

IV. Techniques of Seeing as Reading

When we think about "reading" in relation to visual arts, it becomes clear that interpreting an artwork involves
actively looking and engaging with it in specific ways. The concept of "techniques of seeing" refers to the
strategies or approaches we can use to analyze and interpret visual elements, much like how we use different
techniques to read and understand written texts. Below are some key techniques of seeing as reading:

A. Formal Analysis: Breaking Down the Visual Elements

Formal analysis involves examining the basic visual components of an artwork, without initially considering
the content or context. By focusing on how these elements are used, we can gain insight into the artist's choices
and intentions.

1. Observation of Line and Shape

o Begin by examining the lines used in the artwork. Are they sharp, flowing, jagged, or curved?
What direction do they take, and how do they guide your eye? Lines can suggest movement,
stability, tension, or emotion.
o Next, focus on the shapes present in the composition. Are they geometric (rigid, structured) or
organic (fluid, free-form)? The types of shapes and their arrangement can give clues about the
mood or themes the artist is trying to convey.
2. Exploring Color and Light
o Consider the color palette used. What colors dominate the scene, and how do they make you
feel? Warm colors like reds and yellows may evoke excitement or anger, while cool colors like
blues and greens suggest calm or melancholy.
o Look at the use of light and shadow. Where is the light source, and how does it affect the
scene? Strong contrasts between light and dark (chiaroscuro) can add drama, while soft lighting
may create a more serene effect.
3. Investigating Texture
o Even in 2D works like paintings or prints, the texture can affect how we perceive the piece.
Does the surface appear smooth, rough, or layered? In sculptures, real texture can invite
physical interaction or add realism to the work.
4. Analyzing Space and Perspective
o Consider how the artist uses space in the artwork. Is the space deep and expansive, creating a
sense of distance, or is it flat, focusing on a more intimate perspective?
o Perspective is another key technique. The use of linear perspective creates an illusion of depth,
while a more abstract use of space may challenge conventional ways of seeing.

By breaking down the formal elements of an artwork, we can start to see how the artist controls our visual
experience and influences our interpretation of the subject.

B. Contextual Reading: Understanding the Surroundings

To truly "read" an artwork, it’s important to consider the context in which it was created. Contextual reading
involves looking beyond the visual elements and taking into account the artist’s background, historical period,
and cultural setting.

1. Historical Context
o Ask questions like: When was this artwork created? What was happening in the world during
that time? Historical events, social movements, or even personal experiences of the artist may
have directly influenced the themes or content of the piece.
o For example, Picasso’s Guernica can be understood as a reaction to the atrocities of the Spanish
Civil War. Without this historical knowledge, the power of the chaotic, disturbing imagery may
not be fully grasped.
2. Cultural and Social Context
o Consider the cultural symbols or references within the artwork. What traditions, beliefs, or
social issues might the artist be engaging with? Different cultures assign specific meanings to
colors, symbols, and imagery that can dramatically change how we interpret a piece.
o For example, in traditional Chinese art, the color red is often associated with happiness and
prosperity, while in Western culture it may symbolize danger or passion. Understanding the
cultural context allows us to more accurately “read” these visual clues.
3. Artist’s Intentions and Biography
o Understanding the artist’s personal story or motivations can provide deep insight into the
meaning of their work. Was the artist making a political statement, reflecting on personal
trauma, or responding to other artworks?
o Van Gogh’s turbulent emotional state, for instance, is often reflected in his intense use of color
and brushstrokes. His famous Starry Night may take on a deeper meaning when viewed through
the lens of his mental struggles.

By considering the broader context of an artwork, we can gain a richer understanding of the messages being
communicated and the artist's intentions.

C. Iconography and Symbolism: Decoding Meaning

Iconography is the study of symbols, figures, and motifs in art that represent deeper meanings. Many artworks
use symbolism to communicate abstract ideas or complex narratives that are not immediately obvious to the
viewer.

1. Identifying Symbols
o Look for recurring symbols or objects in the artwork and consider their cultural or historical
meanings. For example, a cross may symbolize faith, sacrifice, or martyrdom in Christian
iconography, while a snake might represent evil or temptation.
o Renaissance paintings often included detailed still-life objects that conveyed moral or religious
lessons, such as skulls symbolizing mortality or hourglasses representing the passage of time.
2. Interpreting Figures and Characters
o Often, figures in visual art represent more than just individuals; they might embody ideals,
concepts, or allegorical messages. Classical and religious art frequently features mythological
or biblical characters to convey moral or philosophical lessons.
o For instance, in Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, the figure of Venus represents love,
beauty, and the divine feminine. Understanding these figures’ roles in mythology allows us to
interpret their symbolic importance.
3. Reading Narrative through Imagery
o Some artworks, especially historical or religious paintings, contain narratives or visual stories
that unfold through careful examination. Paying attention to the sequence of events or the
relationship between figures can help uncover the intended story.
o In Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights, the triptych painting tells a moralizing
narrative about temptation, sin, and salvation, revealed through the symbolic and surreal
imagery within the panels.

D. Emotional Response: Engaging Intuition

While formal analysis and contextual reading are essential, it’s equally important to engage with visual art on
an emotional and intuitive level. Sometimes, an artwork’s meaning isn’t entirely logical or explainable through
symbols and context but resonates with the viewer through its emotional impact.
 1. What is Your Emotional Reaction?
o Pay attention to how the artwork makes you feel. Are you calm, disturbed, intrigued, or
confused? The artist may be deliberately evoking certain emotions, and understanding your
emotional reaction is an important part of reading the artwork.
o Abstract art, in particular, often relies heavily on emotional impact rather than literal
interpretation. Mark Rothko’s color field paintings, for example, are intended to evoke deep
emotional responses through their vast, immersive color planes.
2. Intuition and Personal Interpretation
o Sometimes the meaning of an artwork isn’t immediately clear, and that’s okay. Engage your
intuition and allow yourself to interpret the piece based on your personal experiences, thoughts,
and feelings. Art invites a unique conversation between the viewer and the artwork, and your
perspective adds value to its interpretation.

E. Synthesizing the Techniques

Effective reading of visual arts involves synthesizing these techniques—formal analysis, contextual reading,
iconography, and emotional response—into a comprehensive interpretation. Each artwork can be approached
from multiple angles, and the interplay between these techniques allows us to fully appreciate and understand
the depth of visual communication.

• Begin with careful observation of the formal elements.

• Consider the historical, cultural, and personal context behind the work.
• Decipher symbols and iconography to uncover hidden meanings.
• Reflect on your own emotional response and personal interpretation.

By practicing these techniques of seeing, you not only enhance your ability to "read" visual arts but also cultivate
a deeper understanding of how visual culture influences the way we see and experience the world.

V. Texts and Genres

In both literature and visual arts, the concepts of texts and genres help us interpret and classify various forms
of expression. Understanding these concepts allows us to engage more deeply with both written and visual
works, recognizing the conventions and expectations that shape how we interpret them.

What is a Text?

Traditionally, a text refers to something that can be "read" in a literal sense, like books, articles, or essays.
However, in a broader context, a text encompasses any medium through which meaning is communicated. This
includes not only written works but also movies, performances, and visual art. In this view, a painting, sculpture,
or photograph becomes a visual text that can be "read" to derive meaning, just as one would analyze the themes,
structure, and symbolism in a written text.

Visual texts convey ideas and emotions through the elements of art—such as line, color, composition, and
imagery—rather than through words. For instance, a painting might "speak" to us by evoking feelings or
suggesting a narrative without any accompanying language. Just like written texts, visual texts can be interpreted
in multiple ways depending on the viewer's perspective, cultural background, and knowledge of art.

What are Genres?

Genres are categories that help us classify texts based on shared characteristics, whether in literature, film, or
visual arts. Genres create expectations for how we understand and interpret a work by defining common features
such as form, subject matter, and style.

In literature, genres include fiction, poetry, drama, and essays. These can be further subdivided into categories
like mystery, romance, fantasy, or historical fiction. Each genre comes with its own conventions, guiding readers
on what to expect and how to interpret the text. For instance, a mystery novel often follows a structure where a
crime is solved by the protagonist, while a fantasy story may include magical elements in an imagined world.

Similarly, in visual arts, genres classify artworks into recognizable categories. These might include:
 • Portraiture: Focuses on depicting individuals or groups, often aiming to capture personality, mood, or
social status.
• Landscape: Emphasizes natural scenery, such as mountains, forests, or rivers, and often reflects the
artist’s perspective on nature or the environment.
• Still Life: Consists of arrangements of inanimate objects, often everyday items like fruit, flowers, or
pottery, and can explore themes of mortality, beauty, or material wealth.
• Abstract Art: Moves away from literal representation to focus on shapes, colors, and forms that evoke
emotions or ideas rather than depicting specific objects or scenes.
• Realism: Strives to represent subjects truthfully and in detail, without idealization or stylization.
• Surrealism: Emphasizes the dreamlike or fantastical, often blurring the lines between reality and
imagination.

Each genre establishes certain expectations for the viewer, shaping the way we "read" the visual text. For
instance, when looking at a portrait, we might focus on the expression, body language, or historical context of
the figure, whereas in a landscape, we might be more concerned with the artist’s treatment of space, light, and
natural beauty.

Why Genres Matter in Reading Texts

Genres help us organize and understand texts by providing a framework that guides interpretation. When we
encounter a work within a particular genre, we approach it with certain expectations, which influence how we
engage with the content. For example, in reading a romantic novel, we might anticipate a focus on relationships
and emotional experiences, while in viewing an abstract painting, we might expect to engage more with color
and form than with specific figures or narratives.

However, genres are not rigid categories—they often overlap, blend, or challenge boundaries. An artwork might
combine elements of realism with abstract techniques, or a novel might mix mystery with historical fiction. This
genre-blending invites us to think critically and remain open to multiple interpretations.

In both literature and the visual arts, understanding genre enhances our ability to analyze, appreciate, and
interpret texts. It provides a useful structure but also invites us to explore how artists and writers play with
conventions to create new, unique meanings.

Reading Across Texts and Genres

Engaging with texts and genres across different media helps develop critical literacy skills. By recognizing
genres, we can approach texts with more informed perspectives, whether they are written narratives, visual
representations, or hybrid forms. In the same way that a poem might evoke emotional responses through imagery
and rhythm, a painting might provoke similar reactions through the use of color, composition, and symbolism.

In conclusion, both texts and genres are essential tools for understanding the complexities of communication in
literature and the arts. Texts are the medium through which ideas are expressed, and genres provide the structure
that frames these ideas, guiding how we interpret them. By understanding and identifying the genre of a work,
we can more effectively "read" its meaning, appreciating the depth and creativity within the text—whether
visual or written.