I was pondering over the question of why some images look artistic while some others don’t. This led to some thoughts around what I call visual contours. Visual contour is an imaginary line on the image over which eyes and mind move as a visual response to that image.
Here is an attempt at describing my own visual process for the above image (click on it to see it larger). Eyes traced upper contour of the bird, went up till it’s eye and the eye led further movement down along to perch. If I trace this as an imaginary line on the image it looks like -
Let me share another image -
When I look at this image (click on it to see it larger), first I stop at eye of the bird since it is directly looking at me. Visual movement there after is not very controlled. However there appears a weak uncontrolled movement as indicated in the image below.
And its visual contour as I experience -
What is this concept good for ? I tend to think more complex these contours are less impact these images will have on our mind – after all our mind don’t want to process a lot more information ( limit of 7 +/- 2 according to George Miller).
In a related note do colors bring another dimension for which we can’t draw these visual contours ? What if colors in this below image is predominantly red ? How will visual contour if one exist change ?
I tend to think color indeed brings another dimension which goes beyond visual contour described above affecting the mood of the image. How do we understand that dimension of the visual process ? I don’t know. There are more questions than answers.
Are contours and shapes of these abstract visual lines and interactions between these abstract lines describe effectiveness of an image ? artistic merit of an image ? Can we use this as a tool for better critique an image ?
May be the answer is yes ?
Very interesting thoughts and representation Ganesh. Concept is good, but am looking for more answers. Let me think about this for a while. I will wait for responses from others too. This one looks too complex for my brain.
Comment by Pramod Viswanath — November 9, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
Ganesh, I agree with Pramod, very interesting presentation. My first thoughts are that this has to do with atavistic cueing–what grabs our interest, makes us hungry, feel safe, feel threatened, feel a little something toward that female, etc. Thus, the movement of the eye always takes us to the most important (for survival) point first, and then it leads us around the scene to check for other cues on how to respond. The images that most quickly and clearly answer the question “what to do next” are the “best” images. I suspect we deal with bold primary flagging colors in the same way. I will now call this “Shankar’s visual scan.”
Comment by John B. Wheatley — November 24, 2008 @ 12:45 am
The aspect of the influence of basic necessities in the process of viewing is an interesting observation John. While I agree our prevous experience in life influences how we “see” things I also tend to think some elements of visual process is common for all and goes beyond what we have “learnt” in life so far as an individual.
Comment by Ganesh H Shankar — November 30, 2008 @ 2:29 am
I read your thoughts on this on NPN and find this concept interesting. For myself, I prefer simple images that have a certain visual appeal (much like your own spectacular work with light/form). Not sure how that translates to my brain tho!
I need to get over to your forum, Brad tells me I’m missing some GREAT work. Hope all is well my friend.
Comment by Cindy — December 10, 2008 @ 4:48 am
Thanks Cindy for dropping in ! I tried to understand and articulate my visual response – though I am not sure whether it is theoretically possible to understand how our brain works due to subtle complex recursion – mind trying to understand itself.
Back to the forum that we created I am sure your simple artistic thoughts and images can add a lot ! I am very happy to see more of your participation at NPN. I hope you are doing quite well now. Wishing you good health and seasons greetings !!
Comment by ganesh — December 10, 2008 @ 6:48 am