Art 100: Introduction to Art History

Lecture/ The Vocabulary of Art

Overview
This is not a pipe
This is an icon
Iconic Meaning
Continuum of Representation
Anthropomorphism
Cartoons
Masking
Keep on Crossin'
The Picture Plane
Iconclastic Controversies

In this lecture we will try to reach an understanding of the power and also the limitations of icons. Below are some of the questions we will be asking:

• We will examine different categories of icons and examine their relationship to the realms of nature, ideas and language.

• How are icons used in the works of comics artists and fine artists?

• What is the difference between realism and iconic abstraction? How do we respond to them differently?

• Traditionally in the West, we have enforced a strick separation between word and image. What are the implications for artists?

• How does our perception respond to images that are pictures and languages simoulataneously?

• What is a cartoon?

• How does a culture manage the use of icons?

ahead>