Visual Literacy and Visual Culture: Reflections on Developing More Var- ied and Explicit Visual Competencies

Abstract

This article seeks to fuel the discussion about the nature, role and content of visual competency in science and society as well as on the road(s) to get there. First the central role of the visual in the (re)production and transformation of society is discussed and contrasted with the relative neglect to foster adequate visual skills for its citizens. Next some mis- conceptions about the visual and visual culture are being conferred as well as the need for a further clarification of the na- ture and basic components of the concepts of visual literacy/competency and of the complexity of visual culture as a field of research. Finally a more affirmative and (self-)critical approach to the study of visual culture is being proposed.