Artistic Vision of Architecture "Painting and Photography as a Model"

This study examines the evolving artistic vision of architecture through the lenses of painting and photography, focusing on their symbolic and aesthetic dimensions. Addressing a critical gap in literature, it explores the intersection of these art forms and their role in portraying architectural scenes beyond mere documentation. The research investigates significant transitions in artistic representation, particularly in the context of modernity and postmodernity, while uncovering the symbolic purposes and aesthetic expressions arising from the inclusion of architectural elements in art. Employing a qualitative, comparative research design, the study analyzes works produced between 1965 and 2010 in the USA and Mexico. Data sources include a curated selection of architectural artworks and photographs by artists such as Edward Hopper, Robert Dilloni, and James Welling, alongside a review of relevant scholarly literature. A thematic and semiotic analytical framework is used to interpret the interplay of light, shadow, color, and composition, offering insights into the philosophical, cultural, and technological influences shaping artistic representations. The findings highlight a transition from architectural photography’s documentary roots to an expressive and symbolic medium influenced by technological advancements and cultural shifts. Artists have shifted their focus from entire architectural vistas to intricate details, emphasizing symbolic meanings and aesthetic arrangements. Techniques such as color manipulation, reflections, and precise design processes are revealed to play a critical role in shaping contemporary architectural depictions. Furthermore, the study reveals how architecture in art has addressed contemporary societal themes such as materialism, demolition, and rejection of tradition, fostering a dynamic relationship between humans and architectural spaces. Influences of modernist and postmodernist trends, including fantasia, pop art, and expressionism, are evident, enriching architectural photography with expressive language and symbolic depth.