Visual Literacy Allie Horick What is Visual Literacy
- Slides: 15
Visual Literacy Allie Horick
What is Visual Literacy? Why is it valuable? “Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from information presented in the form of an image, extending the meaning of literacy, which commonly signifies interpretation of a written or printed text. ” “Visual literacy is based on the idea that pictures can be ‘read’ and that meaning can be communicated through a process of reading. ” -Media Literacy in the K-12 Classroom
Visual Elements adapted from Picture This by Molly Bang ● smooth , flat shapes are stable and calm (grounded) ● diagonals imply motion/tension; they are dynamic
Vertical shapes are active and imply energy + reaching
Horizontal across a vertical implies stability
● Objects in the upper half of the image are associated with freedom, space, happiness/triumph and carry a more spiritual feeling. ● Objects in the bottom half are heavier, sadder and more threatened. They carry more weight.
The center of the frame is the center of attention.
The edges of the frame are the edges of the world.
white/light = safe black/dark = scary
Pointed shapes are more threatening than curved ones.
Larger objects feel stronger.
Color connects objects more than shapes.
Contrast makes things stick out.