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shape A
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shape B
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| Two intersecting rectangles appear in both shape A and B; these are their literal (actual) qualities, as are the variations in the thickness of lines that define these forms. What is not literal are the associations which we make with these two shapes. Western culture teaches us that when we see such intersecting rectangles we call such forms "crosses." These particular arrangements of shapes become signs for a cross. We also are taught that Shape A is referred to as a Greek Cross, and Shape B as a Latin Cross. Other shapes that we encounter elicit other associations. In works of art we often see signs (or representations) for hands, noses, shoes, trees, mountains, animals, houses, furniture, etc. None of these objects actually exist in works of art (except perhaps for tableaux, 3-D collages, interiors, etc.).
Signs also become symbols when they represent something else, but also through a process of association; i.e., a material object is used to represent something that is not visible. These crosses function as symbols for us because our western culture has taught us to make particular associations with these images. Shape A symbolizes some type of health service. Shape B stands as a symbol for Christianity. In language, a metaphor is a figure of speech that transfers one thing to another through implied comparisons. It is used to infuse writing and speech with vitality, which make both more interesting; e.g., "he was really crucified by his competitors" or "the artist made minced meat out of his colors." Visual metaphors are implied as a consequence of analyzing the relationships between the formal structures and subject matter of works of art. In addition to their role as symbols, the crosses can also function as visual metaphors if we will take the time to analyze their form-content relationships. |
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