Jean-Luc Nancy : Distinct Oscillation

The difference between text and image is flagrant. The text presents significations, the image presents forms. Each one shows something: the same thing and yet a different thing. By showing, each one shows itself, and therefore also shows the other one across from it and facing it. It therefore also shows itself to it: image shows itself to text, which shows itself to image. Thus an imaged image and the word image show—in showing each other and showing themselves (to be)—the same thing and yet a different thing. Furthermore: the word ‘‘image’’ shows itself as an image whereas an imaged image shows itself the way the word image does. At least each of them wants to believe this, or behaves as if it did.
(The Ground of the Image, Fordham University Press, New York 2005)