ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the application of Zettl’s theory of applied media aesthetics to medical images. Specifically, it examines X-ray images in terms of the electromagnetic spectrum and the concepts of density and contrast as well as the two-dimensional concepts of framing and aspect ratio, size and shape, figure and ground, the use of the center, psychological closure, and the use of multiple frames. Comparing the imagery of television, film, and still photography to X-rays images, we find that interchangeable conceptualization is possible. However, there are some characteristics of X-rays and the images they produce that make for some interesting differences which, in turn, makes a straightforward application of the theory a challenge. A benefit to this challenge is the discovery of new ways of thinking about applied media aesthetics and medical images.
