eikonventionalism

Eikonventionalism is a conceptual framework that explores the intersection of iconic imagery and conventional artistic practices. It proposes that established or commonly recognized visual forms, when recontextualized or presented within a new artistic framework, can generate novel interpretations and meanings. The term suggests a deliberate engagement with pre-existing visual tropes, symbols, or archetypes, not merely as replication, but as a starting point for artistic innovation.

The core idea behind eikonventionalism is that by acknowledging and then subverting or transforming widely understood visual language, artists can provoke critical reflection in the viewer. This involves understanding the inherent cultural, historical, or psychological associations tied to certain images and then manipulating these associations to create new dialogues. The "conventional" aspect refers to the widespread acceptance and familiarity of these visual elements, while the "eikon" points to the powerful, representative nature of the images themselves.

Practitioners of eikonventionalism might employ techniques such as appropriation, pastiche, or collage, drawing from diverse sources like advertising, religious art, or popular culture. The goal is not simply to reproduce but to re-engineer the impact of these familiar icons. This approach challenges the notion of pure originality by suggesting that meaning can be generated through the inventive recombination and reinterpretation of what is already known and seen. It emphasizes the active role of the audience in decoding and assigning new significance to these transformed visual conventions.