Conceptual Blending and the Arts: An Analysis of Michał Batory’s Posters

Adam Tomasz Warchoł

Nov 2018 · Cambridge Scholars Publishing

About this ebook

This book presents an analysis of how the processes described in Conceptual Blending Theory can be applied in practice, on the basis of Michał Batory’s posters designed for artistic events. Therefore, it begins with an introduction of the origins of Conceptual Blending Theory, the very nature and elements of conceptual blending as a linguistic and mental phenomenon. It also provides an overview of the models and types of integration networks, which is followed by an analysis of vital relations that accompany the blending process. Importantly, the principles constraining Conceptual Blending Theory, together with the criticism levelled at Fauconnier and Turner’s approach are put forward. The book then moves on to analyse Michał Batory’s posters in terms of conceptual blending processes. The blended space is meticulously discussed and illustrated to show explicitly how two distinct notions are combined to create a new meaning that is non-computable from the two input spaces. The interaction that occurs between the inscriptions and images is very distinct in every single poster. The analysis highlights how Batory’s artefacts influence people and convey the hidden message, with the use of strong visual and verbal elements that accompany the blending process.

About the author

Adam Tomasz Warchoł graduated from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University of Lublin, Poland, where he obtained his MA at the Faculty of Humanities in the Institute of Applied Linguistics. His research interests cover the areas of cognitive linguistics, with a particular focus on cognitive semantics, meaning construal mechanisms, and conceptual blending theory and its applications. Currently a PhD student at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, he is conducting research on the use of metaphors in John Henry Newman’s writing.