I found another article that deals with words and images in modern art. I found this article interesting because it discusses a few of the aspects of language that we have been talking about in the classroom. It also discusses the types of interactions between verbal and visual signs.
The author, Morley, demonstrates that there are two ways the viewer can become engaged in the work; through visually scanning the image or through reading the words. Morley further discusses that words and images are signs and can be reduced to three basic types: the iconic, the symbolic and the indexical. He continues to discuss how words can be understood as the signifier and the signified. The signifier is the written and aural form of the word itself, where as the signified is the meaning ascribed to that form.
Morley also discusses the types of interactions that occur between these verbal and visual signs; trans-medial, multi-medial, mixed-media, inter-media. In trans-medial interactions, the one is essentially a supplement to the other. In multi-medial interactions, word and image coexist more closely. They are sharing the same space, though remaining clearly distinguished in terms of spatial relations. In mixed-media interactions, word and image are only minimally separated from one another. Finally, in inter-media relations, there is an emphasis that writing is indeed a visual language. It appeals to the eye and the mind. The book of Kells is a great example
According to Morley, “Artists have sought different organizations of the spaces and contexts within which word and image appear.” Throughout the article, when discussing the four types of interactions of words and images, he gives examples of various art periods that have used the interaction. Overall, Morley discusses how artists use these relationships and interactions when creating their work.
The article can be found at:
http://library.allegheny.edu/ERes/art112/Writing.pdf