What you see is not always what you get.

This activity explores the D.I.E. model to interpret visuals. D.I.E. stands for Describe what you physically see, Identify or Interpret what you see and then Evaluate. We normally tend to let our evaluations predetermine what we think we are seeing. This activity will explore how our mind can be tricked into through illusion and misjudgement. A more correct evaluation of what we see can be reached by applying the above mentioned D.I.E. model.
Task 1
An introduction to Rene Magritte

Task 2
Look at these paintings drawn by master illusion artist Magritte and describe what you see.

 magritte-empire-of-light.jpg
Picture A
magritte_and_contemporary_art_the_treachery_of_images.jpg

 Picture B
threateningweather_sm.jpgPicture C
pipe3.jpgPicture D
Task 2
Answer these questions.
  • Why did Magritte write that 'This is not a pipe?'
  • What two things are the people doing and where in picture B?
  • Which picture has a Greek element in it?
  • In how many pictures can you actually see the sky?
  • What time of day is it in pictures A,B and C?
Task 3
Practise using the D.I.E. Model
Stage 1 
Describe
Look closely at the image. Just write down what you see. A photo or a painting? What objects can you see? What colours, what symbols, what items make up the composition. Do not allow yourself to interpret or say anything more about the picture.


Instead of  starting with 'when looking at this picture I see ..............' you can start with: 
  • The situation in this photo is probably a meeting or a presentation. 
  • The location is an office or boardroom.
  • The people are wearing business or office wear. 
  • One person is wearing a joker's cap and holding a puppet. 
  • They are drinking some beverage in a cup.
  • The board on the wall is empty.
  • They seem to be interested or focused on something that the person in the middle is saying or showing or doing.
This is what you see. Anything else is an interpretation. 

Task 4
Try to describe these pictures according to the criteria and methods mentioned in task 2.


Task 5
Practise Using the D.I.E. Model
Stage 2
Interpret
Think of possible explanations for what you observed or experienced.
What do the words spoken and actions mean to you?
What adjectives would you use to explain the experience or situation?
Try to find at least three interpretations of the interaction or situation.
What cultural information have you used to produce these interpretations?

Task 6
Follow the instructions and complete the task below:



Task 7
Practise Using The D.I.E. Model
Stage 3
Evaluate

Evaluate what you have observed and experienced.
What positive or negative feelings do you have regarding the experience or situation?
Ho would you feel if you were a member of another culture with different dominant values and beliefs?