Art Synectics

Bringing different things into real connection

Analogy

1. Logical2. Synestheti

c 3. Affective4. Paradoxica

l

A comparison between two things that are similar in some way

Logical Analogysimilarities in design, structure or function

• Duck compared to boat• Tree compared to circulatory system• Bird compared to plane

Synesthetic Analogysensory comparisons of an interdisciplinary nature; perceptions of touch, sound, vision, taste or smell.

Affective Analogyemotional resemblances

• Offensive person as a snake• Beautiful girl as a flower• Timid as a mouse

Synesthetic Analogy

(Paradox - is an apparently true statement or group of statements that leads to a contradiction)

• “loud silence” • “the living dead”• “organized confusion”

Images & Transformations

Images:

1. Memory – recollections of the past (not fantasy)

2. Imaginary – recollections of the past radically rearranged3. Hypnogogic – imaginary experiences perceived in the

twilight state of consciousness between sleep and waking, accompanied by light flashes, sparks, geometric forms

4. Afterimages – sensory over stimulation (colors reversed)5. Hallucinations – images perceived as a result of

personality disorders through lack of sleep, intense concentration, meditation or drugs. 6. Dreams – associated with sleep (REM)

Transformations:

1. Magnification

The “reconstruction” of a subject matter on a much larger scale than that of the original

2. Minification

Making an object appear smaller

3. Multiplication

Repeating images or forms within a composition

Transformations:

4. Substitution

Changing the original qualities of objects and surfaces (concrete pillow, wooden light bulb)

5. Reversals

Reversing color, perspective, function, relative sizes and so on, (reversing “laws of nature” - gravity)

6. Distortion

Changing an object or image by deformation, distortion or progressive state of degradation (burned, dissolved, decomposed, crushed, cracked, etc…)

Transformations:

7. Fragmentation

Splitting or fragmenting objects or images (partially developed, dismembered, splitting planes)

8. Disguising

The use of latent or hidden images; obscuring the qualities of an object by wrapping, masking or camouflaging

9. Metamorphosis

Depicting images or forms in progressive states of change

Transformations:

10. Transmutation

A radical form of metamorphosis

11. Soft Focus

Changing focus of all or parts of an image; blurred edges or contour lines

12. Progressive Image Breakdown

Subjecting an image to treatment that tends to deteriorate, obscure or progressively break it down to simple shapes or patterns.

Transformations:

13. Transference

The intrusion of an object or element into a space or environment not normally its own

14. Positive-Negative Reversal

Using the photographic negative rather than the print (or both) in a composition

15. Animation

Inanimate subjects made to “come to life”

Transformations:

16. Collapsing Volume

Rendering 3-D subjects to appear flat or transparent, through the use of contour line

17. Partial Delineation

Drawing, carving, or presenting only a portion of an image in its finished state

18. Simultaneity

Presenting several views or time modes simultaneously; for example, showing the side, top, back and bottom views)