Visual Intelligence: Perception, Image, and Manipulation in Visual Communication

by Ann Marie Seward Barry

Today, our environment is dominated by the visual. This book explores "visual intelligence" as a basic and indispensable tool of cultural survival. The author offers a practical manual on a non-superficial level for those who seriously want to know how images are processed, how they function in relation to our innermost beings, and how they form the psychological fabric of our political, social, and economic environment. Barry defines how we derive meaning from images and examines perceptual process, how it has evolved, and the role it plays in our thinking. She critically examines the concept of rationality and explores how visual logic works to create meaning. The book goes behind the obvious and beyond the superficial as it critically examines the visual power and logic of images, cutting across a variety of perceptual psychology, art, television, film, literature, advertising, and politics. The second section of Visual Intelligence examines the role which various media play in creating the images which impact our how visual images create a language with profound psychological meaning, and how print, television, and film media manipulate images to create desired emotional effects. Close-ups explore visual subtleties in such areas as digital manipulation, camera attitudes, and contextual framing, as well as the social consequences of "image" as an abstract concept expressed in concrete visual terms. Part III looks critically at the most controversial areas of image persuasiveness today-advertising, politics, and entertainment.

Genres: Design

440 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed a nice re read to break my reading deprivation and I definitely didn’t play it safe, at all. I can assure you, once you’ve read this, your attention to detail will feel like it’s had 10 cups of coffee. I went to an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery and found myself spending more time with pictures. Noticing details I probably would’ve overlooked before. I now spend less time on my phone during commutes and people watch, trying to learn about a persons day. Warning: if you’re reading this and end up staring at people or things too long, I am not responsible for the consequences. This book is ideal for anyone trying to sharpen their observational skills and not just for creatives. If you want to learn to love the small details then big this up and change your life

[Juan-Carlos Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you study communications or media this book is filled with useful information. Although it was released in 1997 and technology has changed, the theoretical principles still apply.