Research Article

The structural codes of metaphor in the visual arts

Number: Advanced Online Publication Early Pub Date: August 8, 2026
EN TR

The structural codes of metaphor in the visual arts

Abstract

At the core of this paper is a hermeneutic and transdisciplinary research on the concept of metaphor applied in the visual arts as an element of coding of meaningful relationships. The hypothesis of this paper anticipates that in the process of creating a work of art, metaphor has a multitude of structural functions through creative procedures in the construction of visual compositions and artistic narratives. Methodologically, the research intersects theories of metaphor as a method, of its hermeneutic function, of its openness, and of its denotative aspects. The theoretical aspects underline the essential properties of metaphor in the process of signification and contextual positioning in the realization of the poetic method, of its referentiality, of its category as a product of thought and as a formation of meanings, as a root metaphor, as an act of signifying and of interpretation, and as a symbol. The results show the realization of the poetic and creative function of metaphor through the context of discourse through the analysis and interpretation of Greek art (Minoan, Mycenaean, Classical, and Hellenistic) and of the hermeneutic reading of the works of Friedrich, Grosz, Hofer, Picasso, Kandinsky, Klein, Warhol, Baldessari, Gillick, and others. The outcome of the research leads to new conclusions about the function of metaphor that enrich the history of art with new theoretical points.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Faculty of Fine Arts, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje

Project Number

No project number

Ethical Statement

As an author, I apply ethical principles and standards in writing my papers.

References

  1. Aristotle. (1995). Poetics. Harvard University Press.
  2. Aristotle. (1989). The Poetics of Aristotle. Macmillan and Co.
  3. Baldessari, J. (2007). Conversation. Again the Metaphor Problem and Other Engaged Critical Discourses about Art: A Conversation Between John Baldessari, Liam Gillick, and Lawrence Weiner, moderated by Beatrix Ruf. Springer-Verlag/Wien and Authors.
  4. Bourriaud, N. (2002). Relational Aesthetics. Les presses du reel.
  5. Brodskaïa, N. (2012) Symbolism. Parkstone Press International.
  6. Eco, U. (1983). The Scandal of Metaphor. Poetics Today, 4(2), 217-257.
  7. Eco, U. (1989). The Open Work. Harvard University Press.
  8. Eko, U. (1977). Estetika i teorija informacije. Prosveta.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Visual Arts (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

August 8, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

March 29, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 3, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Rajchinovska Pavleska, N. (2026). The structural codes of metaphor in the visual arts. Art Time, Advanced Online Publication, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.62425/at.1918439
AMA
1.Rajchinovska Pavleska N. The structural codes of metaphor in the visual arts. Art Time. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication):1-8. doi:10.62425/at.1918439
Chicago
Rajchinovska Pavleska, Natali. 2026. “The Structural Codes of Metaphor in the Visual Arts”. Art Time, no. Advanced Online Publication: 1-8. https://doi.org/10.62425/at.1918439.
EndNote
Rajchinovska Pavleska N (August 1, 2026) The structural codes of metaphor in the visual arts. Art Time Advanced Online Publication 1–8.
IEEE
[1]N. Rajchinovska Pavleska, “The structural codes of metaphor in the visual arts”, Art Time, no. Advanced Online Publication, pp. 1–8, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.62425/at.1918439.
ISNAD
Rajchinovska Pavleska, Natali. “The Structural Codes of Metaphor in the Visual Arts”. Art Time. Advanced Online Publication (August 1, 2026): 1-8. https://doi.org/10.62425/at.1918439.
JAMA
1.Rajchinovska Pavleska N. The structural codes of metaphor in the visual arts. Art Time. 2026;:1–8.
MLA
Rajchinovska Pavleska, Natali. “The Structural Codes of Metaphor in the Visual Arts”. Art Time, no. Advanced Online Publication, Aug. 2026, pp. 1-8, doi:10.62425/at.1918439.
Vancouver
1.Natali Rajchinovska Pavleska. The structural codes of metaphor in the visual arts. Art Time. 2026 Aug. 1;(Advanced Online Publication):1-8. doi:10.62425/at.1918439