Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
Year: 2023
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33422/5th.icsha.2023.12.108
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Transcultural Vistas: The Window as Metaphor in Painting and Its Transition to Film Narratives
Yulin Zhou
ABSTRACT:
This article explores the metaphorical use of “windows” in the visual narratives of painting and film, juxtaposing their symbolic meanings within Western and Chinese art traditions. The window is examined as a threshold of potentiality and longing, a concept that challenges viewers’ perceptual limits. The study employs a comparative analysis of historical and modern works, incorporating theoretical frameworks by Alberti, Friedberg, and Sobchack. Western art portrays windows as symbols of openness and connectivity, while in Chinese art, they represent the interface between the material and spiritual realms, reflecting Confucian and Taoist philosophies. The article further investigates the window’s role in cinema, particularly its use in character introspection and the blending of reality with illusion. The impact of technological advancements, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, on the cinematic window is also discussed. The research highlights the window as a cultural mediator that influences visual aesthetics and cultural identity. It concludes with a call for interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue to enhance the understanding of visual storytelling.
keywords: Window Metaphor, Visual Culture, Painting, Film Art, Cross-Cultural Aesthetics