The sour is yellow
Syntax deals not just with inside structure of an image and its composition but also juxtapositions of separate images. Juxtaposition in this case means the relationship between subjects in an image, so that each part of the image has some bearing on and relativity to the other. Naturally we make connections between the objects that we see on the image and find an explanation to why these are shown together. Naturally, objects which we assume to be belonging together are able to create a narrative. In the next example we can see different objects placed together in the same setting. This choice of presentation connects the objects even though the only thing they have in common is their color. When we look at the grid we do not perceive each image separately, but see the images as a whole; we are not looking at the objects they represent.
Let’s have a closer look on these images in certain combinations. There are several ways to organize them and establish a completely different effect. For example, by their difference in material substance.
Or in their form.
Here I show these combination separate from their meaning just looking at their appearance. But there is a possibility to look at these images as potential carriers of a message.
A lemon, cup cake forms and cup of tea can suggest a cooking process and even more specific preparation of a guest visit and drinking tea. A message can easily become politically charged, as we can see on the example bellow. These can suggest a message such as: gold digging is a dirty business.
Of course this interpretation is rather forced and not obvious, but it can give us a clue to how juxtaposition of images can generate new meanings. In this process we can’t just rely on the formal qualities of an image, but we are using other levels of perception. After seeing the proposed combinations, we can see how easy it is to find a meaning in anything. Showing some images without particular attention to combinations doesn’t create this effect. But when some connections are given we activate all our experience, knowledge and imagination to understand why those images are together. Syntax doesn’t deal with meanings so this last example leads us to the introduction to the concept of meaning and its appearance.