Text & ImageThe use of text in
visual Art
Text (writing) and images are both means of representing meaning.In other words, they are both ways of conveying information.
When text accompanies an image it can help ‘anchor’ the meaning; just like an anchor which holds the ship in a desired location, the text can help ‘hold’ or direct the meaning of an image.
Images often accompany the text in newspapers so that the meaning (the story) is quickly conveyed to the viewer.
Without the picture AND text this front page would be meaningless.
John Hilliard, cause of death, 1974
In this famous artwork, John Hilliard uses the same photographic image, but by changing the crop and title he manages to completely change the meaning of each image.The text ‘anchors’ the meaning to a different interpretation or meaning for each image.
Robert Frank
Best known for his photo-essay book The Americans
However, in recent years he has produced several books containing ‘storyboards’ and utilising text.
Robert Frank, Halifax Infirmary
Text scratched onto images (polaroids).
Robert Frank
In this triptych* the titles for the first two images seem to fit with the images. Then we are hit with the third and are challenged to invent a narrative which ‘fits’.
*Triptych: three images which together form a single artwork.
Artist Gillian Wearing uses text in these images to make us confront our visual complacency and tendency to judge or stereotype.
Gillian Wearing
Duane Michals, This photograph is my proof, 2004
Artist Duane Michaels is perhaps best known for his narrative storyboards of the 1960s and 70s.
More recently he has produced work in which text and the act of actually writing that text becomes an integral part of the artwork.
Writing onto the photograph
Jim Goldberg
Jim Goldberg
Jim Goldberg
Gunnar Thor Vilhjalmsson
Chris Monaghan, Golden Words, 2011
On Blackpool’s promenade (known as the golden mile) the council have recently created a huge artwork in marble, composed almost entirely of the catchphrases, scripts and jokes of British entertainers.
Text was used here in the parodying* of two famous films to create Christmas cards.(faces blurred to retain confidentiality)
* A parody is a humorous or comical imitation of a serious artwork or text.
Chris Monaghan
Chris Monaghan
If you actively look you will begin to notice text all around you (signs, adverts etc). Often the text will somehow ‘jar’ or ‘fit’ with the surrounding environment. This sort of text is found by the artist within the environment.
Chris Monaghan
Chris Monaghan, au contraire, 2010
Chris Monaghan
Chris Monaghan
Chris Monaghan
Text can be a fantastic source of inspiration for the observant photographer. Here it is the juxtaposition* of the two signs which the photographer noticed.*Juxtaposition is normally the placing of two things next to each other in order to emphasise their difference.
Chris Monaghan
Chris Monaghan
Chris Monaghan
Sometimes the sign itself is worthy of recording
Often just a little text in an image can help locate its meaning.What do you think these images are about and how can you tell?
Chris Monaghan
Often just a little text can help locate the image’s meaning.What do you think these images are about and how can you tell?
Chris Monaghan
Often just a little text can help locate the image’s meaning.What do you think these images are about and how can you tell?
ANSWER: They were part of a project to highlight the plight of the homeless.
Chris Monaghan
What a novel idea - child free parents
Chris Monaghan
Chris Monaghan
Chris Monaghan
Images can be made from text.
Summary• Text used as a title or embedded within an image can help anchor or direct the meaning.
• Text embedded in an image can be used to provoke or challenge the viewer or to add a deeper or unexpected meaning.
• ‘Found text’ can be used within images to create tension, humour, emotional response, sympathy etc.
• Text can be used quite literally to create an image.