Understanding X-Ray Images: A Medi(c)a(l) Aesthetics Approach

Document Type

Book Section

Publication Date

4-28-2020

Publication Title

Handbook of Visual Communication: Theory, Methods, and Media

Publisher

Routledge

Edition

2

First page number:

304

Last page number:

320

Abstract

This chapter explores the application of Zettl’s theory of applied media aesthetics to medical images. Specifically, it examines X-ray images in terms of the electromagnetic spectrum and the concepts of density and contrast as well as the two-dimensional concepts of framing and aspect ratio, size and shape, figure and ground, the use of the center, psychological closure, and the use of multiple frames. Comparing the imagery of television, film, and still photography to X-rays images, we find that interchangeable conceptualization is possible. However, there are some characteristics of X-rays and the images they produce that make for some interesting differences which, in turn, makes a straightforward application of the theory a challenge. A benefit to this challenge is the discovery of new ways of thinking about applied media aesthetics and medical images.

Keywords

X-ray images; Applied media aesthetics; Medical images

Disciplines

Bioimaging and Biomedical Optics | Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering | Engineering

Language

English

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