Reading image and thinking image in a new visual age

Abstract

We are living in the age in which visually is prevailing intensely and mass communication is based upon image rather than expression. It is a significant skill for our age to comprehend the language of images in this new visual age. Art and visual world are not independent concepts. Visual literacy, a branch of multiple literacies emerged with the development of information and its transfer style, is a visual language utilized to work out issues of this new visual age. In this study, the relation of visual literacy concept to art and art education is investigated based on the literature in the light of technological advancements. Improvability of visual literacy skills through art education is discussed by compiling the results and comments of other studies and investigating the interrelation of art and visual literacy. At the end of the research with the scanning method, evaluations on the relations of visual literacy concept to art education and their interactive sides were carried out, and conclusions and recommendations were stated relevant to raise productive individuals that have visual literacy skills through an effective art education. Keywords: visual literacy, visual thinking, visual arts, visual arts education