In Discussion: Semiotics (How to decode an image)

One of my photography seminars consisted around the understanding of semiotics: the study of signs and sign processes (semiosis) [1]. We looked at how meanings are made and what we associate with signs in social life (semiology). This leads to how a sign consists of a signifier, the material aspect (what we see) and signified, the mental aspect (what we learn through our society and culture). Studying semiotics is the foundation of understanding photography as there are many ways of seeing images (see John Berger's Ways of Seeing) and different ways of applying our interpretation that is influenced by society and our own personal experiences. But by first realizing the components of how an image is read one must understand semiotics.

There are 3 ways to analyse:

• 'Linguistic' message - any/all words: this is both the connotation and denotation in the analysis of the image
• 'Non-coded iconic' message - the denotations in the photograph: these are the recognisable/identifiable (the signifier) objects in the photograph
• 'Coded iconic' message - The connotations that derived from the larger sign system of society (the signified) in the photograph. This is is dependant on external factors like culture, race etc.

These steps can be applied to this simple image:

Image Source: Kristianne's seminar in semiotics (Powerpoint presentation) [2]

Linguistic message: 'Toilet' (or for braille readers underneath)

Non-coded iconic message: A shape resembling a female figure wearing a dress

'Coded iconic' message: Put the two together and we are taught that this sign indicates a female toilet. The blue background signifies cleanliness/freshness. If the background were to be red it may give a different meaning, possibly the toilet was dangerous, as in western society we associate red with danger.

Though the decoding of the above image was simple the 3 steps can be applied to everything we see and gets more complex when an image gives us an emotional response or has differing cultural meanings making a common image/sign in one society completely different in another. This post has been a very basic introduction to semiotics and I'm still learning about this vast topic! There have been many books and philosophies on the study of semiology so I will continue to be reading!

References:

1. Wikipedia - Semiotics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiotics [Accessed 14/05/12]

2. Drake, Kristianne; Semiotics Powerpoint Presentation; 13 Feb 2012

Useful Links:

Google books - Semiotics https://www.google.com/search?q=semiotics&tbm=bks&tbo=1&oq=semi

Beauty In Discussion: Valeria Lukyanova - Is this the Real life Barbie doll?

Image source: http://www.geekologie.com/2012/04/look-at-what-youve-done-to-yourself-ukra.php

After reading responses on ‘Katie Price Vs Orlan’ forum on my university photography website^[1] and discussing the concept of beauty I was particularly interested in the case of Valeria Lukyanova, 21, where it is believed she is the ‘real-life’ Barbie. Barbie represents perfection and she is the icon for aspired beauty. Barbie is an American manufactured girls’ doll that launched in March 1959. During this time multiculturalism and globalization was a new concept and isn’t as prominent as it is today yet Barbie still circulates in its millions across the globe. Barbie is supposed to represent the population yet there is only a minority with white skin, blue eyes, blonde hair and is 5’9” tall. Why choose these features to symbolize ‘perfection’ when the world is so diverse? There has been much criticism for the doll’s unrealistic proportions and the damaging effect on females’ body image especially when socializing girls from a young age. Statistics show that ‘if Barbie were an actual women, she would be 5'9" tall, have a 39" bust, an 18" waist, 33" hips and a size 3 shoe.’ ^[2] This would be the case of Lukyanova from Russia who is obsessed with the Barbie ideal. She is dubbed ‘the real-life Barbie’ due to her extensive plastic surgery (including removing two lower ribs), heavy make-up and revealing clothes. Lukyanova is willingly allowing herself to be objectified after posting hundreds of images of herself and her transformation. There has been quite a stir with her as despite the common perception of beauty being of Barbie, when it is seen in real-life there is some backlash. ‘One Twitter user wrote: “She looks not only ugly, but ridiculous.”’ and “A woman with completely perfect features is a boring woman.” ^[2] Despite Lukyanova extreme efforts to achieve ‘perfection’ not everyone believes so thus making the concept of beauty subjective. So this raises the question what is beauty?

What are your views?

References:

1. Various authors; Mycourse forum; published Apr 15 2012; http://mycourse.solent.ac.uk/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=42596 [Accessed 07/05/12]
2. Slayen, Galia; Huffington Post; published Aug 4 2011; http://www.huffingtonpost.com/galia-slayen/the-scary-reality-of-a-re_b_845239.html [Accessed 07/05/12]

3. Evon, Dan; The Inquisitr; published Apr 23, 2012; http://www.inquisitr.com/224402/valeria-lukyanova-model-seeks-to-be-real-life-barbie-doll-photos/#tzIAJXuqFuDQEyKk.99 ‘[Accessed 07/05/12]

Useful Links:
V.E.S.T: What do you think is beautiful? http://nishahaqvisualexploration.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/beauty-your-views-on-whats-beautiful.html

Wikipedia - Barbie http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie

The Beauty of Society http://webpages.scu.edu/ftp/kmarume/the%20beauty%20of%20society.htm

Daily Mail - Valeria Lukyanova http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2133552/Valeria-Lukyanova-pictures-Real-life-Barbie-seeks-worlds-convincing-doll.html

Exhibition Review: Someone Else by Shilpa Gupta

Arnolfini, Bristol

3 March 2012 - 22 April 2012

Image: Taken by myself at the exhibition, 'Singing Cloud' (2008-09)

After attending Sophy Rickett's 'To The River' exhibition on the ground floor I made my way up to Shilpa Gupta's 'Someone Else' consisting of five artworks spanning 7 years of work. I was particularly interested in her work especially her choice of medium using 3D art installation, typography and photography. Her work examines 'themes of desire, conflict, militarism, security, technology and censorship' [1] The varying pieces look at how the media affects us. Exploring the theme of media grabs my attention as am interested in the relationship between the two. 

As we enter the first room, 'Someone Else' one see's a metallic book shelf consisting of 100 silver 'blocks'. Only until one looks closer you realize that they are recreations of books from all over the world that have been written either anonymously or under a pseudonym. On the cover she explains why the author had chosen anonymity. I was engrossed in reading the reason and learnt a lot historically from this piece of art. Shame I didn't have enough time to read through all 100 of them! The second piece was the main attraction of the show, 'Singing Cloud', a suspended giant cloud made of 4000 microphones. She reversed the function of the microphone and its emits a soundtrack rather than used to record. I was very impressed with this art sculpture and gave an unsettling experience especially as the room was dark, one could just see the small reflections of light bouncing off the microphone heads. This room was shared with a flap-board used to announce departures so the echoes transmitted around the room in the shadows gave an eerie feel which I particularly enjoyed as a piece of art doesn't usually leave an unsettling effect on me. The penultimate piece were four photographs of her stylized in military clothing pinned to the wall that are part of a wider series 'Don't see Don't Hear Don't Speak'. She shows the effect of violence in today's society and makes the viewer think about today's current affairs. The final piece is brightly bold typographic piece entitled 'There is No Border Here' shaped in a flag. She explores the idea of borders and nationhood and as an Indian artist this piece feels like a reflection of her. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibition as I didn't know what to expect moving from one room to the other and the atmosphere differentiated entirely creating a new buzz every time. I enjoyed the diversity exhibited and hope to see more of her exhibitions in the future.

References:

1. Exhibition Guide document - Arnolfini, Shilpa Gupta, Someone Else

Useful Links:

Arnolfini - Shilpa Gupta http://www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/details/1234

Shilpa Gupta http://www.flyinthe.net/

More of my photos from the exhibition:

 'Someone Else' (2011-12)

'Someone Else' (2011-12)

'Someone Else' (2012-12)

'Untitled' (2008-09)

'Untitled' (2006)

'There is No Border Here' (2005-06)

'There is No Border Here' (2005-06)