Abstract
The research of networks has become a familiar method in various disciplines including art history. Since its beginning, the network modelling has been accompanied by an ideological subtext.
For some, networks represent a shift from old hierarchical establishments into new dynamic types of organization. For others, they are the hidden structure of our universe.
A key feature of the proliferation of this network enthusiasm are illustrations and visualizations. The paper will take an art historical approach towards network visualizations and their ideological connotations.
Since the simplifying visual language of nodes and links makes it possible to blur the line between structures that are physical, virtual, social or mechanical, the network visualizations inherently possess a strong symbolical aspect. The paper will display the migration of network images from academia into everyday culture (art, cinema, advertising) where they connote values such as transformation, interconnection or interdisciplinarity.
The paper will demonstrate three visual steps that are being used in the symbolization of network images, namely the juxtaposition with a hierarchical system, the unification of the look of nodes and links and the allegory (personification). The paper will argue that the symbolical aspect of network images is influencing not only the public perception of networks but also the way academics approach their network models.
With cases that include art history, the paper will demonstrate that network images are being used in the promotion of the network approach not necessarily because of their informational value but rather because of their symbolical potential.