Question 1: On Closure and Gutters
In the world of comics, closure pertains to the mind’s ability to complete partial images. These partial details can be enclosed in one comic panel or it can be between the panels. This means that closure is the interaction between the readers and the creator of the comics. The creators’ starts by providing the details and the readers complete the images based on their assumption that, in turn, are based on their own experiences. Closure also pertains to the transformation of two panels into a single idea.
These transformations occur in the gutters or the spaces between the panels. This is the case since upon reading or viewing two or more panels, the reader will have enough information to work with in order to connect the dots, so to speak. This means that there must be transition from one panel to another in order to connect the events that are being presented. McCloud identifies six kinds of transitions in comics. They are panel-to-panel, action-to-action, aspect-to-aspect, scene-to-scene, moment-to-moment and non-sequitur.
I believe that among the six types of transition identified by McCloud, the non-sequitur is most relevant to how I work with my pictures. This is the case since I do not focus on a single subject or event. Instead, I would take random photos and look for a connection between the photographs. This is like realizing the saying that every thing is interrelated or the theory of six degrees of separation where only six people separate someone from everyone else.
Question 2: On the merging of time and space
The most common of device being used in merging time and space in comics is the introduction of words. It is possible that one panel can represent a series of events that is distinguishable through the narratives of the characters. Words in comics can merge time and space since in real life, saying a sentence takes times, yet in the world of comics, a single panel is capable of containing a length of time in one panel or moment so to speak.
Another device used to merge time and space is panel itself. Although, the shape of the panels used do not affect the meanings themselves, they still provide different reading experiences. For example, time can be lengthened if one panel it expanded or repeated. The depiction of motion can also be used to merge time and space. The use of motion lines allows a panel to contain once again a series of events, meaning duration of time, in a single frame and thus time and space merges. Of the devices that can be used to merge time and space bleeding has the most melodramatics effect. This is the case since bleeding presents the notion that time can no longer be contained, as though the events are timeless and thus takes all space.
Using the said elements on my works allows me to add depth to them. In the first question, I answered that the non-sequitur is most relevant to my work. By using the devices mentioned above, I am able to help the viewers make the connection between random photos. These are not only effects but also useful tools in deciphering the meanings of still-based, time-based and interactive narratives.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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