Survey: The Effect of Visual Metaphors in Fine Art Self-Portraiture
The Impact of Cultural Background and Personal Experiences on the Interpretation of Metaphors in Photography
Please read all the information on this page before starting the survey.
This survey is part of a research project for the MFA in Photography graduate program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. The project examines the impact of visual metaphors in fine art self-portraiture.
This survey is anonymous, and all personal information, including email addresses, will remain confidential and excluded from any data used for analysis. Please read the disclaimer on the next page for further information.
Please concisely answer the open ended questions (few words but comprehensive). This improves the quality of coding for statistical analysis.
We thank you for your cooperation, time, and effort.
Ton Schless MFA Photography graduate student
Email: tschless2@art.edu
Purpose of the Survey
This survey is being conducted solely for research purposes. The information collected will be used exclusively for academic research and statistical analysis and will not be used otherwise.
Confidentiality and Data Usage
All responses will be kept strictly confidential and stored securely. Data will be analyzed in aggregate form only, ensuring that individual responses cannot be identified. By participating in this survey, you agree that your anonymized data may be used in future research publications or presentations.
Voluntary Participation
Your participation in this survey is entirely voluntary. You may choose to skip any question that makes you uncomfortable or exit the survey at any time. Your decision to participate or not will not affect your relationship with the researchers or the affiliated institution.
Potential Risks and Benefits
While the survey is expected to involve minimal risk, some questions may encourage personal reflection that could be emotionally engaging. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, please consider taking a break or stopping your participation. Although there is no direct personal benefit from completing this survey, your input is valuable for advancing research and understanding in the field of art and cultural studies.
Informed Consent
By continuing with this survey, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and voluntarily agree to participate. If you do not agree with any part of this disclaimer, please do not proceed with the survey.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about the survey or your rights as a participant, don’t hesitate to contact Ton Schless, MFA grad student, at tschless2@art.edu, ph: (435) 590-8696, or Lizbeth Andazola, Administrator, School of Photography, photography@academyart.edu, (415) 618-3609.
This work is conducted with the consent of and under the supervision of Tamara Hubbard, Online Director, School of Photography, THubbard@academyart.edu.
Academy of Art University (AAU)
79 New Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
What are visual metaphors?
In photography, a visual metaphor uses a picture, or elements in a picture, to represent something else, suggesting an association or similarity, and conveying ideas or emotions beyond the literal image.
Definition:
A visual metaphor is a representation of a person, place, thing, or idea through a visual image that suggests a particular association or point of similarity.
Purpose:
Visual metaphors are used to communicate complex ideas, emotions, or themes in a subtle and evocative way, engaging the viewer and inviting them to interpret the image on a deeper level.
Examples:
Symbolism: A single object, like a broken chain, can symbolize freedom or captivity.
Juxtaposition: Placing two seemingly unrelated images together or elements in an image can create a new meaning, like a photograph of a child holding a gun, which could symbolize the dangers of violence.
Connotation: A photograph of a person standing on a cliff edge might connote the idea of uncertainty or a leap of faith.
Types:
Spatial Metaphors: Focus on the location, size, and arrangement of objects within the image.
Stylistic Metaphors: Emphasize the visual qualities of the image, such as color, detail, or composition. Often these metaphors are combined in fine art self-portraits.
Effect:
Visual metaphors can add depth, layers of meaning, and complexity to a photograph, making it more than just a literal representation of a scene.
Examples in Photography:
Please be concise with your answers and do not research the photos until you have submitted the questionnaire.