44 JUXTAPOSITION
THE DYNAMICS OF BRINGING DISPARATE ELEMENTS TOGETHER
Juxtaposition is a procedure in which one element is placed next to another in such a way that a new dynamic takes place. This is particularly effective where the literal meaning of an element combines with that of another to make a new meaning. Juxtaposition can also be a purely optical or abstract strategy in which shapes, colors, or textures are placed next to each other to create new relationships.
IN ACTION
• Subversion
An image of a train is quite commonplace, but if it is juxtaposed with an image of, say, a jellyfish, the viewer will experience a sense of surprise and perhaps unease as he or she attempts to make sense of the combined image. The expected norms of the ...
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