Lesson 4:

Visual Representation

of Ideas

So much of the information we "take in" or consume every day is visual representation.

Visual representation is really anything that is communicated to a viewer without using speech or writing. So many things can be classified as visual representations, including paintings, photographs, prints, billboards, sculptures, clothing, tattoos, and other body art. As you go about your daily routine, you take in many images that convey messages or are meant to entertain you. Just look around you. The space you are in right now probably has several visual representations of ideas meant to inform or entertain you.

In this lesson, you will look specifically at symbols, the sculptures and artwork of a famous Canadian, and body art. Enjoy this lesson focused on visual representation rather than speech or writing!

Courtesy of iStock

In this lesson, you will:

• explore various forms of visual representation to learn more about how to express ideas without using speech or writing
• think about various ways that ideas can be communicated through representation as well as some common symbols that are used to express certain ideas
• think about how art can be a means of sharing ideas and expressing identity
• think about how body art can be used to represent or reflect identity