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

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.