The Aesthetics of Imperfection: A Theoretical Evaluation of the Meaning Layers of Glitch Aesthetics in Communication Design and Cinema

Zuhal Akmeşe

doi:10.5195/cinej.2025.905

The Aesthetics of Imperfection: A Theoretical Evaluation of the Meaning Layers of Glitch Aesthetics in Communication Design and Cinema

Authors

Zuhal Akmeşe Dicle University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3805-8649

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/cinej.2025.905

Keywords:

glitch art, communication design, digital aesthetics, augmented reality, cinema, metaverse

Abstract

Glitch aesthetics based on digital errors and visual noise, has become a notable phenomenon in contemporary art, design, and visual culture, challenging the notion of digital perfection. This multi-layered qualitative study examines classic glitch works from early digital art experiments and contemporary glitch applications emerging in new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the metaverse. The research aims to analyze how glitch aesthetics generates meaning in the field of communication design by comparing historical examples with various modern digital contexts. To achieve this goal, the study employs content analysis, case studies of significant glitch artworks (including “JPEGged Mona Lisa,” Kanye West's “Welcome to Heartbreak” music video, and Rosa Menkman's digital works), and conceptual evaluation methods to thoroughly investigate the aesthetic and communicative layers of glitch visuals. The findings show that glitch remains relevant in the digital age both as a critical art practice and an aesthetic strategy, continuing to produce multi-layered meanings in the fields of digital culture, communication design, and cinema. Overall, the study emphasizes the enduring importance of glitch as an intentional creative strategy and clearly demonstrates its impacts on communication design, digital art practices and cinema.

Author Biography

Zuhal Akmeşe, Dicle University

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zuhal Akmeşe is the Head of the Radio, Television, and Cinema Department at Dicle University's Faculty of Communication. She completed her undergraduate and graduate education at Ege University and her doctoral education at Istanbul University's Radio, Television, and Cinema Department with a thesis titled “Framing and the Formation of Social Perspective in Television,” earning her Doctor of Communication degree.

Akmeşe continues his theoretical and applied studies in the fields of documentary cinema, new media, digital media, communication sociology, television production and management, screenwriting, and film theories. In addition to his international books, book chapters, and papers, he has also worked on documentary and fiction films.

In addition to his academic work in the field of cinema, he has served on juries at numerous national and international festivals and has taken on active roles in festival organization processes. In 2022, he founded the Cinema Researchers Culture and Arts Association (SineAkademi) and currently serves as its founding president and chairman of the board of directors. The association organizes the International SineMed International Film and Media Studies Congress, the International Dicle Documentary and Short Film Festival, and publishes the peer-reviewed scientific journal SineAkademi Film Studies Journal, continuing its cultural and artistic activities.

References

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Published

2025-12-03

How to Cite

Akmeşe, Z. (2025). The Aesthetics of Imperfection: A Theoretical Evaluation of the Meaning Layers of Glitch Aesthetics in Communication Design and Cinema. CINEJ Cinema Journal, 13(2), 812–844. https://doi.org/10.5195/cinej.2025.905

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Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025): Fall

Section

Articles

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