Design Principles -Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media--Taylors
University
Visual analysis is an understanding of design that focuses on visual
elements and principles. Visual analysis is an important component of visual
literacy, which helps people read and critically evaluate images they see
(in museums, social media, entertainment, advertising, or
news). Practicing visual analysis can help us improve critical
judgment and look for answers rather than passively receiving information.
Visual analysis includes 3 phases:
Phase 1: Observation
Observation means watching and identifying the visual elements of a
design carefully, then trying to explain them in your own words.
Phase 2: Analysis
Analysis needs thinking about the observations and making statements about the
work based on the evidence of the observations. Consider how the specific
visual elements you've found work together to produce design principles that
complete the work of design/art, as well as the effect on the viewer.
Phase 3: Interpretation
Combine your observations, description, and analysis of the work with
data about the design work (and, in certain cases, the designer) as well as
historical context from reliable published sources.
Visual Analysis
We are required to write a visual analysis of the artwork that was selected in task 1. The artwork that I selected was 'Newtown Creek', created by Alexis Rockman.
The artwork is presented in landscape format. In the upper right, a sewer opening is depicted, accompanied by a mountain of garbage, abandoned cars, and an excavator actively shoveling waste. Meanwhile, a two-headed bird stands on a whale in the foreground, and there is a sunken ship covered in overgrown rocks and plants underwater. In the upper left, a foggy cityscape emerges due to air pollution. The creatures underwater coexist with trash; a piece of wood and an aluminum can are entwined with plants and marine organisms. For visual elements, the main colors include orange, brown, green, blue, and black. There are lines applied in the artwork (creek, and wall landscape). (111 words)
Phase 2: Analysis
This artwork uses a harmonious blend of warm and cool colors to paint the sky and water, evoking a sense of dynamic balance. The use of warm for the sky and cool tones for the water enhances the visual impact, creating a stark contrast. The composition of the artwork adheres to the rule of thirds. The focus points placement of key elements - whale, sunken ship, and creek underwater, aligns with the lines and intersections of the rule of thirds grid. This arrangement adds visual interest also guides my eyes through the scene. Moreover, the artwork uses the principle of proximity. The fish or plants with the wood form a cohesive group, creating a visually compelling focal point. The proximity of these elements adds depth to the composition and establishes a sense of unity. (133 words)
Phase 3: Interpretation
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| Fig 2.1 Newtown Creek by Alexis Rockman (2014) |
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| Fig 2.2 Journey to the Next World V: Journey under the Sea by Prateep Kochabua (2007) |
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| Fig 2.3 Stream Of Life by Sompong Adusarabhan (2009) |
This artwork, titled 'Newtown Creek' (Fig 2.1), was created by Alexis Rockman. It highlights the impact of human activities on ecosystems and the future consequences of our actions on the natural world. Both art pieces (Fig 2.2 & 2.3) fall within the realm of contemporary art of Pop Realism. Pop Realism emerged around the 1960s, blending elements of Pop Art with a realistic approach. (Pop And New Realism in 1963 · Context · Pop Art 1963, n.d.). The characteristic of Pop Realism is the use of bright, bold colors, a quality evident in both artworks. They make me reflect on the importance of our ocean. (105 words)
Reference: Pop and New Realism in 1963 · Context · Pop Art 1963. (n.d.).
Total words of 3 phases: 349 words
Weekly Feedback
Week 4: I need to revise the paragraph and summarise the third phase. Additionally, I have to find two more artworks with similar styles
Week 5: I can submit the blog and go through it for task 3.
Reflection
This lecture highlighted the crucial role of visual analysis in design learning. Before engaging in this process, I knew it would be challenging as I navigated through unfamiliar artworks. After researching and referencing online, I discovered diverse perspectives on the same artwork, which helped enrich my artistic knowledge. Despite the difficulty of the task, it served as a catalyst to improve my visual analytical skills. In conclusion, visual analysis is essential for every designer to explore complicated design and art.
Further Reading
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