Comparative image analysis in visual arts and art education

Abstract

In visual art education, researchers has to be aware that it is necessary to explore the position of an image, within the time period's cultural, sociological, technological conditions that effect the image, in order to achieve a full understanding of that very image or visual composition. In that sense, setting a sample study that mirrors "how and under which effects a sign changes throughout time?" is worth investigating. The aim of this study is to explore the traces of symbolic existence of peripheral circumstances in a visual composition and as well as reflect that the composition is structured by these circumstances. In that sense, a brief review of the history of woman image has been chosen to set a sample study to search for the above mentioned dynamic. In order to trace the links in between meaning making and meaning reading processes, with the basic assumption that any sign's meaning differs according to its position among surrounding signs "woman image" offers continuity of existence throughout history which constitutes the bases for a comparative research. Continuity, in comparative analysis of an image may constitute a solid base in order to increase the level of cognation of students in the field of visual arts.