2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
John Hilliard,
cause of
death, 1974
5. 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.
8. 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.
9. Artist Gillian Wearing uses text in these images to make us confront
our visual complacency and tendency to judge or stereotype.
11. Keith Arnett (self portrait).
Arnett became famous when his photographic artwork Self Burial was broadcast
on German television in 1969. Much of his later work is very ‘conceptual’ and
questions whether photography is really an ‘art’ (and whether he is a real artist!)
12. 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.
Duane Michals, This photograph is my proof, 2004
13. Keith Arnatt,
Notes from Jo,
1990-94.
This artwork
consisted entirely
of text (notes that
his then girlfriend
left him), yet they
are displayed as a
visual artwork
(framed and hung
on a wall).
18. Gilbert & George are two of the most famous British artists working today.
Their art is often provocative and controversial, sometimes embedding text
to both visually entertain and provoke the viewer..
They are especially fond of taboo words!
Gilbert & George, Was Jesus Heterosexual, 2005
19. 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.
Chris Monaghan, Golden Words, 2011
20. 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
21. 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
27. 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
30. 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
31. 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
36. Images can be made
from text.
For an excellent
explanation of how to
achieve these effects
see ‘Text as Image’ on
TES online.
37. 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.
