There’s nothing like a good story. The power of the narrative comes up time and again through history, across all fields of discipline. A strong narrative takes control of the imagination’s journey through time.
Historically, representational art has been a highly accessible venue for telling the viewer a story: effectively giving shape to a circumstance, providing direction through a time sequence, and landing the viewer at the feet of conclusion, even if there are hints of varying opinions or shadows of unresolved elements present. It reminds me of plotting a storyline graph in grade 8 English class.
By contrast, design art at its most potent, is immediate. A unified, compelling image that arrests the eye and produces an instant stamp in the brain for future recognition is considered strong design. No time sequence, no lag for the mind (or eye) to wander or ponder… more like the single dot at the climax of the plotline.
But this difference between representational and design art bothers me. I love a good narrative. But I personally feel the pull more toward design than representational forms in my own artistic preferences. Is there a way to combine the best of both?
(to be continued)
Historically, representational art has been a highly accessible venue for telling the viewer a story: effectively giving shape to a circumstance, providing direction through a time sequence, and landing the viewer at the feet of conclusion, even if there are hints of varying opinions or shadows of unresolved elements present. It reminds me of plotting a storyline graph in grade 8 English class.
By contrast, design art at its most potent, is immediate. A unified, compelling image that arrests the eye and produces an instant stamp in the brain for future recognition is considered strong design. No time sequence, no lag for the mind (or eye) to wander or ponder… more like the single dot at the climax of the plotline.
But this difference between representational and design art bothers me. I love a good narrative. But I personally feel the pull more toward design than representational forms in my own artistic preferences. Is there a way to combine the best of both?
(to be continued)