Shades of artistic imagery and their use in artistic analysis

Abstract

Abstract:  This study aims to analyze the concept of shadow and its pivotal role in shaping and interpreting the artistic image, focusing on the cognitive and aesthetic overlaps between visual and literary depiction. The research adopted a theoretical approach, exploring the concept of shadow in various contexts (linguistic, religious, philosophical, and psychological), distinguishing it from imagination, and classifying its different patterns with application to modern Arabic poetry by Mohammed Sahman. The study found that shadow is not merely an absence of light but an active component carrying deep significations and contributing to the symbolic and psychological dimensions of artistic works. The research also identified shadow patterns (extended, short, mimetic, and contrasting) as effective analytical tools. The study emphasizes the importance of analyzing shadows in critical studies and calls for developing interdisciplinary methodological tools for a deeper understanding of the artistic image.

Keywords: Shadow, Artistic Image, Technical Analysis, Depiction, Arabic Poetry.