Visual Perception—a matter of “filling in” the gaps

This presentation discusses how perception of pictures, of foremost faces, might be processed in the brain. Research in cognitive psychology suggests that pictures of faces are processed in to some extent specific areas of the brain (fusiform gyrus), than those showing other objects. Pictures of faces seem to be perceived in a holistic way, that is, dealt with in parallel (several features are processed at the same time). May ordinary pictures of faces, which are processed holistically (as Gestalt) also be said to be typical for iconic perception, in contrast to perception of index? We therefore also put the question: do we perceive so called Mooney-pictures of faces (which are flat and have only two intensity levels) in serial, and may we identify the process with perception of indexical signs? We will seek some tentative answers to those questions by relating to contemporary research in cognition and visual perception.