Wednesday, 3 November 2010

Visual Literacy - Glossary of Terms

Visual Synecdoche.
This term is applied when a part is used to represent the whole. or vice versa. The main subject is substituted for something this is inherently connected to it, This substitution only works if what the synecdoche represents is universally recognized and understood, rather than taken at face value for its literal meaning. The ability to refer to a group or class of objects through a visual device enables a designer to convey an idea in a clean and unfettered manner.


Visual Metaphor

A visual metaphor is used to transfer the meaning from one image to another. Although the images may have no close relationship, a metaphor conveys an impression about something relatively unfamiliar by drawing a comparison between it and something familiar.


Visual Metonym
A visual metonym is a symbolic image that is used to make a reference to something with more literal meaning. For example a cross might be used to signify church. By way of association the viewer makes a connection between the image and the intended subject, unlike a visual Synecdoche, The two images bear a close relationship, but are not intrinsically linked. Unlike visual metaphors a metonym does not transfer the characteristics of one image to the other.


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