“Our distance from certain works plays a big part in whether we perceive them as linear.” The author in Linear Works stated this. I think the author meant that, as we look at certain works or objects from different aspects we see it differently, we might see a rectangular shape from a side, square from the other side, or like the first pictures: when we stand from a distance on the side we see that the bike rack looks like a line, when really, when we stand in front of it from a distance we see a curved line. Or, the second pictures: where the stairs balustrades look different from each view as well.
According to the author, what allow us to see edges as lines is difference in value in lightness and darkness. Edges usually are darker, there’s always that shadow that gives the impression of a line.
The author talked about implied lines: which are the lines that we visualize when looking at a work, with it really being there. The author also talked about directional lines: which are lines that gives you the feeling that you’re heading to a certain direction. Here are some examples of them:
You can see the implied line between the head and the person holding it.
The implied lines are between the mother and the dog, the dog and the baby.
The directional lines are pointing to the left, makes your eye go to the left.
The zigzag lines makes your eyes go to the left as it starts from the bottom of the building.
The author also talked about the quality of lines; quick and slow lines. Lines that are simple and easy, or give you the impression that it just flows are quick lines. Harsh lines that have edges and don’t move as easy are slow lines.
The quick curved line is simple and soft, gives you the expression that it flows.
The spiral electrical wire flows as well in one motion. Quick line.
The Time Warner logo has a slow line. The line has edges and it’s not curved and does not flow as easy.
And finally, I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and saw the sculpture Ugolino and His Sons, by the sculptor Jean-Babtiste Carpeaux, took some pictures of it, and a picture with it pointing to an area of an implied line.
Those are pictures of the sculpture from different point of views. It shows that it has multiple implied lines.
Last but not least, a picture of me with the sculpture pointing to one of the implied lines in the sculpture.
