Art as Communication = how meaning is constructed through the visual image
* “a picture says 1000 words” means that art can say what language cannot
Nick Ut, 1972
Ed Burtynsky, Oxford Tire Pile No. 1, 1999
What is beauty? Media projections vs. evolutionary psychology.
The Golden Spiral Explained! – Leonardo Da Vinci
A Night of Numbers – Phi’s The Limit
Critical literacy means to teach and learn with a consciousness of how messages embedded in text (even implicitly) construct and perpetuate identities of groups of people in society.
The Danger of a Single Story:
The Cutest Face:
* The story takes place on photo day at school. The teacher narrator describes each student as they come into the classroom, affirming their individual “cuteness” and uniqueness.
* While the text speaks subtly to the children’s similarities, difference is alluded to through the illustrations, evoking a message of inclusion.
* The teacher is not depicted visually, so as not to inadvertently suggest the superiority of the authority figure’s ethnicity.
* It concludes with an image of the class composite photo and a line that speaks to the beautiful picture made by everyone, all together.
* Art is my medium for creating, teaching, research, promoting social justice.
If you would like to get in touch with me regarding any of this, please do. My email is rebecca@lifeinpaint.com.
Thanks! 
