Image

"This chapter is devoted to describing how the image becomes a method, taking up where the antidefinition left off, to become a positive ordering operation in its own right." (Ulmer 43)

In architecture (my field of study), we pride the visual more than the textual in presenting our ideas. At the same time, our professors push us to be able to speak eloquently about our process and our projects. We took three semesters of speech classes in addition to a writing class. For the past four years, my undergraduate education has been pushing me to describe the complex thoughts within my own mind through image, speech, and the written word. Ulmer's descriptions are not too far from what I've been learning, so this is exciting to me.

The connection between word and image placement, juxtaposition, and choice create a discussion outside of what can be described by just words.

Maybe it can even be said that the ability to create an experience to describe something is better than a much longer and extensive essay. Humans are emotional beings that connect more with something they are familiar with.

Roland Barthes

When we see an image, we see more than one thing- an obtuse significance. A photograph of Barthes's mother is not only a photograph, is not only a woman, but signified "mourning."

The associations of "photograph" and the "mother" fall under the term studium, while the association of "mourning" falls under the term punctum.

and again:

studium: automatic, culture-driven associations

punctum: association in reference to a personal or private set of memories and ideas

The most compelling point about this paragraph is that this punctum has been around all the time, just that the literate apparatus we've been following hasn't been allowing us to notice its existence.

Maybe.

What about music? Poetry?

Haiku.

to be continued... sadly late