What is an image
So what is an image?
There are two definitions for an image. According to Webster's dictionary, an image is a visual representation of something, which makes sense to some extent. An image can be a copy or a new idea/thought expressed in physical or digital form, or it can be a snapshot of an object in space and time.[1]
When I think of an image, I associate it with metaphors or symbolism. Much like how we can create metaphors out of practically anything, an image can represent anything meaningful to us. All we need to do is attach some sort of value or sentiment to it. For instance, the cross serves as an image for the "principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death."[2] If a person saw a cross for the first time without prior context of religion or Jesus Christ, they would probably think, "hey, that looks like the letter T." The same cannot be said if we showed the same picture of the cross to a Christian.
Now, consider this image.
What emotions do you feel? What does this image represent in your mind? Chances are, thoughts of Hitler, World War II, and Nazis would come to mind. [3]
Origin. [4]
Something that amazed me was learning that before this image (swastika) became the universal symbol of hate and racism, it symbolized good fortune and well-being. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum explains that the motif, a hooked cross, was used in Eurasia as early as 7000 years ago, possibly representing the movement of the sun through the sky. To this day, it remains a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Odinism, and is commonly seen on temples or houses in India or Indonesia. [5]
.
Art?
Now, look at this image. What do you see? If you have no recollection of this image, you might simply see a black square and nothing more. Many would dismiss it. However, someone somewhere attached meaning to this, giving it value, and now it is considered one of the most important pieces of art history and a symbol of modern art’s potential to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of artistic expression. [6]
Images play a crucial role in communication and expression, as they can convey information, emotions, and ideas in a way that words alone may not achieve. They serve as a powerful means of storytelling, documenting events, expressing creativity, and preserving memories.
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[1] “Image Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster. Accessed November 2, 2022. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/image.
[2] “Cross.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed November 2, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/topic/cross-religious-symbol.
[3] Muller, Willi, and Nationalsozialstische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei. Gr. Brillant-Feuerwerk , Militar-Marsche , Konzert , Im Schloßpark Weißensee , Das Nationalsozialistische Weißensee Ist Zur Stelle , Tombola - Tanz , Kinderbelustigung , NSDAP. 1932. University of Minnesota Libraries. https://jstor.org/stable/community.12297645.
[4] “THE HISTORY OF THE SWASTIKA.” United States holocaust memorial museum. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Accessed November 2, 2022. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/history-of-the-swastika.
[5] Unknown. Swastika on Lakshmi-Narayana Temple. 1933-1938, consecrated 1939. Unknown, Unknown. In situ; India, New Delhi. https://jstor.org/stable/community.11677083.
[6] Kazimir Malevich. Black Square. around 1923. Oil on canvas, 106 x 106 cm. State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg, inv Sch-9484. https://jstor.org/stable/community.18129351.
