Reading the image of the Visual Work

In understanding the art one must be able to read the visual work (ex. Painting, print, sculpture,
architecture, film advertising, images) as a text that conveys a complex of concepts, feelings attitudes
moods, atmosphere and value that derives from world views and ideologies, public oor personal. One
must also read the work to be able to evaluate it in terms of conveying signification according to Alice
Guillermo.

She further said that with respect to the form of the work, there are several issues that have to be
considered. Each visual art form, be it painting, poster, comics, illustrations, and the like has its own
technical standard of excellence and this depend upon the choice and use of a medium with its
particular properties and suitable techniques.

Therefore, in readingan image of a visual wok, it is important for us to familiarize ourselves with the
various art medium and techniques as well as processes involved in art-making because these eenter
into the meaning of the work.

Alice G. Guillermo enumerated the basic documentary information required in reading a work of art.

1. Title of the work. Although the title may be significant or insignificant to the meaning of the
work, one should knowthe relation of the title to the work.
2. Name of Artists. Another documentary information concerning the image is the name of the
artists, particularly their biography. The ff. information must be supplied in addition to their
names-

Generation the artist belongs

Dominant artistic trends during their active years

Name of their peers

Personal background and training

Record, diaries, and published statements which may shed light on their art

3. Medium and Technique. The ff. documentaries are needed in identifying medium and
techniques.

Determine whether the medium is academic or non-academic, artistic choice as in mixed media
or multimedia
Keen awareness of the work of art in terms artistic process involving particular mediums and
techniques
Identify the particular kind of materials used

Note to be added regarding the ground of a painting (such as cloth, canvas, wood)
4. Dimensions of Measurements. The format of the work is a part of its dimensions. The
dimensions may be big, large-scale, mural size, average, small or miniature. The usual format of
a painting is rectangular. However, symbolism may come into play such as square or circular
format.
5. Date of work. The date of work which was completed provides the historical context of the
work. It also provides information as to what period of the artist development the work belongs,
and finally, the date of the work situates in art history, that is it tells whether the art work
belongs to a particular trend, school, or movement.