On Images, Visual Culture, Memory and the Play without a Script

Matthias Smalbrugge compares modern images to plays without a script, arguing that our society of images is the product of a destructive tendency in the Christian notion of the image. He explores the roots of the modern image by analyzing imagery and its moral state within the framework of Platonic philosophy and the Augustinian heritage. He answers two questions: what happened to the referential character of the image, and can it be recovered?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Matthias Smalbrugge delves into the intricate comparison between modern images and plays without a script, highlighting the profound significance of the image itself. While these images may appear to allude to a deeper identity or reality, it is ultimately the image itself that holds paramount importance. In his analysis, Smalbrugge argues that our contemporary society of images is a product of a destructive tendency within the Christian notion of the image in general, and Augustine of Hippo's perspective in particular. This insightful revelation empowers him to unravel the enigmatic "scripts of image" that govern our visual landscape. As we navigate an increasingly visual culture, we are constantly bombarded with images that seem to exist devoid of a deeper essence or truth. However, did this referential character truly fade away over time? Smalbrugge embarks on a captivating exploration to uncover the roots of the modern image by delving into the realm of imagery, its representations, and its moral implications within the framework of Platonic philosophy. He then delves into the rich tapestry of Augustine's heritage, particularly focusing on the Soliloquies, Confessions, and the Trinity. Within this trinitarian framework, Smalbrugge uncovers invaluable insights into the nature of images and memory. He delves into the crossroads of a theology of grace and a theology rooted in Neoplatonic views, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions that shape our understanding of the image. In the culmination of his inquiry, Smalbrugge poses two crucial questions: what transpired to the referential character of the image, and can it be reclaimed? Through his meticulous exploration and thoughtful analysis, Smalbrugge offers a profound exploration of the image's enigmatic nature, challenging us to reevaluate our perception and appreciation of visual art.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501358845