Art, Word and Image examines the use of words (or language) in art most often painting. This book asks what it means when a painting is 'invaded' by language how do the two forms converse and combine, and what messages are intended for the viewer? Whether the picture frame is encroached uponby doodlings, as with Adolf Wolfli's seemingly irrational scribbles, or a plea to spirituality is blazoned across a vast canvas, as in the moving images of Colin McCahon, we can be sure that words here have a special meaning, one beyond normal language and communication.