„Képekbe zárt gondolatok” – A véleménybuborékok szerepe és funkciója a fotográfiában a vizuális művészetek kontextusában

Abstract

“Thoughts Captured in Images” – The Role and Function of Speech Bubbles in Photography within the Context of Visual Arts
One of the defining trends in contemporary visual arts is the crossing of boundaries between different media, where photography increasingly incorporates textual elements—particularly speech bubbles. This paper explores the visual and conceptual function of speech bubbles in photographic art, emphasizing their aesthetic, semiotic, and sociocultural significance. The aim of the research is to analyze how the combination of image and text contributes to meaning-making, what critical potential is embedded in the bubble form, and how the viewer is transformed into an active interpreter within the visual discourse. The study is grounded in three key theoretical frameworks: semiotic theories of meaning, the legacy of pop art, and the concept of multimodal communication. The empirical analysis focuses on three case studies: Gillian Wearing’s *Signs that Say What You Want Them to Say*, Lorna Simpson’s conceptual photo-text artworks, and contemporary digital installations that address the phenomenon of online “filter bubbles.” These examples demonstrate that speech bubbles can function both as visual projections of inner thoughts and as critical mediums for addressing social issues. The paper concludes that, when employed in the right context, speech bubbles serve as a bridge between high art and popular culture while simultaneously fostering greater viewer awareness. The research offers both a theoretical framework and practical examples for those interested in the intersection of visual communication and contemporary photographic practice.