One of the concepts that particularly stood out to me was the associations and meanings given to different geometrical shapes. Squares and rectangles are perceived as as "honest, stright, and workmanlike" (p. 54), in addition to representing technology, power, and progress, or oppression, if one is to perceive it as a literal and figurative representation of being "boxed in" (p. 55). Circular shapes, on the other hand, represent endlessness, warmth, protection, and eternity, as well as elements that are natural and organic (pp. 54-55). Finally, triangles and vectors can represent movement or ongoing action, as well as conflict and tension (p. 56). The authors also elaborate on the meanings of stretched or elongated shapes.
Thus, I was interested in looking at several images and seeing how these interpretations of geometry would apply.
This yoga demonstration has many circular (and therefore natural, organic) lines, but there is also a strong vector of movement formed by the man's outstretched arm.
Next we have two signs held up at rallies (an environmental rally and a war protest rally).
This first sign makes use of round, organic imagery, which calls for our empathy.
Meanwhile, the square nature of the sign in this picture is distinctly authoritative, calling for action. The outstretched arms of the people around it can also be seen as vectors, directing attention toward the message.
Another interesting point brought up in this chapter is that of non-transitional images containing only one actor. However, when that actor (for example, a person, such as in image 2.15 on page 64) is interacting with something that is not visible within the image, it is left to the viewers to interpret the actor's actions and make guesses about what lies beyond the borders of the image that they see, and thereby, in some cases, providing their own emotional content to the image. It seems that this can be a powerful tool in image-making and advertising.
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