 Developed by the German school called Gestalt Psychology The relation between the figure and the background Termination or closure principle Other perceptive principles

 There is always a figure that stands out more than the other figures through its size, colour and position.  You cannot visualize the figure and the background at the same time.

 Even if a figure is not complete and the directions are well defined, the sight tends to complete the figure.

 Intense light can separate the figure from the background.  A simple figure tends to be observed before more complicated figures.

 We tend to observe first the figures that we are familiar with.

When we look at this photo all the shapes have the same features, so we see them as a whole.

 Law of proximity  Law of similarity  Law of continuity (closure)  Law of contrast and homogeneity (symmetry)

 The forms that are the closest together are perceived as belonging to the same figure.

 Equal or similar forms are perceived as one single figure.

 Forms pointed in the same direction tend to be perceived as one single figure.

Contrast = the figure that stands out from the background Homogeneity = visual integration of the forms that make the image

 Optical illusion can be created by a form that begins flat and ends up being a volume.  A drawing that is impossible to create in reality.  An interweaving of lines that look like they are moving if we move.

 Some examples of optical illusions (named after their creator) The dihedral of Mach (or the “reversable open book”)  “towards us – away from us” Schroder's reversible staircase  the planes can be the upper or lower part of a full or empty volume

Impossible figures Kinetic figures  Produce the sensation of movement

 Visual communication is a process through which messages are communicated by means of images. For this process to take place, you have to consider the context in which the image and its meaning are found. Next to that several basic elements act in this communication process: the sender, the receiver and the channel or medium.

 Signified The real or symbolical meaning that you give to a visual message (e.g. the dolphin).  Signifier Refers to the visual content of the image or the form(e.g. representation of freedom, strength and life).  Visual code Culturally defined systems of relationships between signified and signifier.

 Transmitter The person who wants to realize the communication  Message The information that the sender wants to transmit  Receiver A person or group that receives and interprets the information of the sender

 Medium or channel or means The channel of communication through which the message is transmitted  E.g. photos, the press, television, cinema, etc. The medium is the physical element that supports the communication e.g. newspapers support the press

 Communication through images requires its own language, called ‘visual language,’ that is used so that messages can be interpreted suitably. We need a group of rules in order to build or combine those visual elements.

 Rules The syntaxis of this sign consists of a simple visual and geometrical structure to perceive it fast.

 Objective visual language: wants to transmit only 1 possible meaning uses geometrical forms or figures that are very similar to the reality  Visual language of advertisement 2 objectives: the message has to be understood quickly + the images have to attract the receiver  Artistic visual language has to produce different feelings and sensations

objective visual language ↑ ↑ visual language of advertisement ← artistic visual language

 Static images Can be flat or 3-dimensional  Flat static images: a painting, a photo, a comic, etc.  3-dimensional static images: a sculptural, a building, etc.  Moving images Cinema, telivision, video, theatre, dance, videogames, etc.

 3 groups of images: brands, signs and symbols Brands  A sign of which its functions are afirmation, notice or differentiation Signs  An instruction, an order or a prohibition  quickly transmits information therefore its form is simple and clear Symbols  Represents an idea, a memory or a feeling  Change according to the believes, tastes and habits from the culture

 Images can be classified according to their purpose into: informative exhortative recreational aesthetic

 The images are a suitable means to inform in a clear and direct manner. The informative images are used to identify people or groups; indicate actions, directions or places; describe facts or situations; or communicate news.

 Identifying images express or symbolise the philosophy of a company or an individual. Their purpose is to be recognised and distinguished among the other ones.  For example: logos, brands and the images of flags.

 Indicative images try to show things through signs or notices.  For example: pictograms which show us directions to follow or specific places.

 Descriptive images define places or figures explaining their different parts or qualities, normally through a simplified design.  For example: scientific pictures of natural forms, designs of buildings and objects, diagrams and maps.

 Notifying images are the images of the press which accompany the informative texts or leaflets advertising events.

 Exhortative images try to convince the recipient to do what the message is proposing.  They are mainly used in advertising to maintain the interest of consumers in the products.

 The main objective of recreational images is to entertain.  A few examples of these images are: comics, films, theatre plays, puppet shows, some newspaper images, etc.

 The purpose of aesthetic images is to awake the admiration and the ability to enjoy the beauty.  These images are works of Art which, through their subject, express among other things feelings and transmit a particular idea of beauty.

 A brand  A sign  A symbol

LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE IMAGE AND WE MUST ASK OURSELVES SEVERAL QUIESTIONS: 1. WHERE IS THE SCENE SITUATED? 2. HOW MANY PEOPLE APPEAR IN THE SCENE 3. WHAT ARE THEY DOING? 4. ARE THERE OTHER ELEMENTS? We are going to analyze this photo from two points of view. THIS IS A FUNCTIONAL OBSERVATION

 Observe the following map a while and draw from memory its outline.  Afterwards compare it with your drawing.