Sign-In
Cart
Modulation: The Parameter-Image
Hardcover
Series: Exeter Concepts in Media Thinking
PhilosophyAnthropologyGeneral Art
ISBN13: 9781804132494
Publisher: University of Exeter Press
Published: May 19 2026
Pages: 140
Weight: 0.70
Height: 0.38 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
Modulation: The Parameter-Image offers a new way to understand what images are and how they work. Instead of treating pictures as fixed representations of the world, this book argues that every image is a field of variation-something continuously adjusted, tuned and transformed. From the mechanical instruments of the Renaissance to today's generative AI, images have always been shaped by certain parameters: brightness and contrast, scale and resolution, signal and noise. Modulation, the art of varying within limits, is the deep logic behind all imaging.
Tracing this idea across mechanical, optical, electrical, electronic and algorithmic media, the book shows how images emerge not as single artefacts but as dynamic processes. It links the sliders of photo-editing software to the vanishing points of perspective drawing, the tuning of radio signals and the latent spaces of machine learning. Each chapter demonstrates how cultures of modulation have organised the visible-technically, aesthetically and politically.
Drawing on philosophy, media archaeology and art history, this volume reinterprets thinkers such as Gilbert Simondon to propose a theory of the 'parameter-image': an image defined by its range of possible variations rather than its fixed form. Written by a scholar whose background bridges philosophy, media theory and visual culture, it offers both conceptual clarity and historical depth. It will appeal to readers in media and cultural studies, art and design, philosophy and aesthetics and anyone interested in how images-past and present-are made to move, vary and think.
Also in
General Art
Awake in the Dream World: The Art of Audrey Niffenegger
Wasserman, Krystyna
Sterling, Susan Fisher
Niffenegger, Audrey
Hardcover
The Secrets of Art: Uncovering the Mysteries and Messages of Great Works of Art
Mancoff, Debra N.
Hardcover
The Language of the Face: Stories of Its Uniquely Expressive Features
Gonzalez-Crussi, Frank
Hardcover
Dynamic Still Life for Artists: A Modern Guide to Essential Concepts and Techniques
Sedwick, Sarah
Paperback
Dragonart Ultimate Gallery: More Than 70 Dragons and Other Mythological Creatures
Peffer
Peffer, J. Neondragon
Hardcover
Insect Anatomy: The Curious World of Bees, Beetles, Butterflies, and Bugs
Hearst, Michael
Rothman, Julia
Paperback
Discover the Art of Field Sketching: Nature-Inspired Techniques for Pencil, Pen, and Watercolor
Link, Kristin
Hardcover
A Perpetual Journal Practice: Building a Connection with Nature Through Art
Gastinger, Lara Call
Paperback
Glorious Country: How the Artist Frederic Church Brought the World to America and America to the World
Johnson, Victoria
Hardcover
Ultimate National Parks Coloring Book: Amazing Scenes from 63 of the Nation's Most Beautiful Places
Furia, Elsa L.
Paperback
Creative Junk Journaling: How to Collect Everyday Keepsakes and Cherish Your Memories
Ahmed, Natasha
Hardcover
Fourth Wing: The Official Coloring & Sticker Book (Includes 2 Pages of Stickers to Color)
Entangled
Paperback
15-Minute Watercolor Florals: Create Exquisite Paintings with 30 Beginner-Friendly Tutorials
Poa, Joly
Paperback
What It's Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing--What Birds Are Doing, and Why
Sibley, David Allen
Hardcover
Watercolor in the Woods: Paint a Whimsical World of Forest Animals, Botanicals, Toadstools and More
Carkill, Jane
Paperback
How to Draw Super Cute Things with Bobbie Goods: Learn to Draw & Color Absolutely Adorable Art!
Goods, Bobbie
Paperback
Stupid Faces in Stunning Paintings: A Serious Exploration of Art History's Silliest Expressions
Mierlo, Matthijs Van
Hardcover
The Big Book of Tiny Painting: An Artist's Guide to Tiny Painting Outside in Ink and Watercolour
Stroz, Leslie
Paperback
The Complete Orthodox Ethiopian Bible in English (Extra Large Print 17 Point Font): A Comprehensive Collection of Scriptures and Apocrypha Including t
Press, Covenant Sacred
Hardcover
How to Draw Kawaii Cats: Sketch and Paint Your Adorable Feline Friends in Dozens of Different Ways!
Koizumi, Sayo
Paperback
The Rembrandt Heist: The Story of a Criminal Genius, a Stolen Masterpiece, and an Enigmatic Friendship
Amore, Anthony M.
Hardcover
Draw Your Adventures: Making Art to Celebrate Everyday Experiences and Travels Near and Far
Baker, Samantha Dion
Paperback
30-Minute Watercolor Painting for Beginners: Easy Step-By-Step Lessons and Techniques
Rockridge Press
Paperback
Forever Stamps: 250 Years of United States History Writ Small
Smith, Brian E.
United States Postal Service
Anderson, Gail
Hardcover
Fantasy Crochet: 16 Whimsical Patterns Inspired by Faeries, Elves, Nymphs & More
Bertolina, Jessica
Paperback
Watercolor Wizardry: Paint Your Own Fantasy Forest Dimension with 25 Step-By-Step Tutorials
Maharaj, Kiara
Paperback
Artistry of the Mentally Ill: A Contribution to the Psychology and Psychopathology of Configuration
Prinzhorn, Hans
Paperback
Let's Become Fungal!: Mycelium Teachings and the Arts: Based on Conversations with Indigenous Wisdom Keepers, Artists, Curators, Feminists and Mycolog
Ostendorf-Rodríguez, Yasmine
Paperback
Watercolor in the Garden: Paint a Charming World of Beautiful Songbirds, Baby Animals, Flowers and More
Carkill, Jane
Paperback
The Album of Plant Families: An Illustrated Exploration of Nature's Beauty and Bounty
Hollender, Wendy
Hardcover
Draw Your Own Fantasy Characters: Design Original Characters for RPG Worlds and Beyond
Osborn, Tamara
Paperback
Dungeons & Dragons Worlds & Realms: Adventures from Greyhawk to Faerã»n and Beyond
Lee, Adam
Official Dungeons & Dragons Licensed
Hardcover
How to Read the Wilderness: An Illustrated Guide to the Natural Wonders of North America
Nature Study Guild
Hardcover
Color by Number Adult Coloring Book: Large Print Birds, Butterflies and Animals Coloring Book For Adults
Coloring, Nature
Paperback
Keeping a Nature Journal, 3rd Edition: Deepen Your Connection with the Natural World All Around You
Leslie, Clare Walker
Paperback
Paint by Sticker (Official): Portraits: Re-Create 12 Historic Paintings One Sticker at a Time!
Workman Publishing
Paperback
The Gelli Arts(r) Printmaker's Handbook: Exploring Image Transfers and Layering Techniques for Creating Incredible Art with Gel Plates
Scherr, Jessica Russo
Paperback