This term might sound new to most of us, but it is something all of us practice every day. Nevertheless it is still a difficult term to explain to people whom have never heard of it before.
Definition (short) according to Daniel Chandler: The study of signs
Definition according to Wikipedia: Semiotics, semiotic studies, or semiology is the study of sign processes (semiosis), or signification and communication, signs and symbols, both individually and grouped into sign systems. It includes the study of how meaning is constructed and understood
Gaze/Let’s contemplate..
Briefly describe the medium used, the genre to which the ‘text’ belongs and the context in which it was found
The medium used is a digital camera (photography) and the picture was taken in 2008 at ‘Carmen van het Noorden’ film production kick-off as part of a series of candid snapshots at this event.
Why did you choose this ‘text’?
I chose this ‘text’ because it makes you wonder what is going through their mind/what they are looking at.
How does the ‘text’ relate to your own values?
I believe that no matter the differences in peoples backgrounds shouldn’t be a threshold in their common activities. The film ‘Carmen van het Noorden’, in which a lot of youngsters from mostly Rotterdam took part in creating, is clearly an evidence of this thinking. This photograph shows me (left) with 4 other people all with different backgrounds (age, gender, race, interests, etc.) but still we are sitting next to each other looking at the same thing all unconscious of our resemblance (our focus and posture) of one other. I also like to involve myself in all sorts of group related activities, whether these are activities which demand active ‘doing’ or ‘thinking’. This picture shows me taking part in an activity.
What are the important signifiers and what do they signify?
The important signifiers are created by the body language of the 5 people sitting. In this case, especially the gestures made with their hands and the look in their eyes. They signify ‘witnessing something interesting’ or ‘thought’.
Does it allude to being fact or fiction?
Both, it could have been that we were posing in front of the camera, which it wasn’t (fiction). But it can also directly be seen as a candid picture, taken without our notice (fact).
How might a change of medium affect the meanings generated?
If the medium for instance was to be a painting, I think it will give it a whole different meaning. Paintings are usually a reflection of the mind state in which the artist is at a certain moment. Also, paintings can be imaginary and are not always snapshots. In contradiction to that, pictures are. Therefore you might wonder even more about what the characters might be looking at.
How might a change of shot size affect the meanings generated?
A close up in ones face might give the picture a whole different meaning, because then you might not even know that the person was sitting or actively looking at anything. It is possible that you might think that the person was staring at the sky and thinking/visioning something. Because you can now see the surroundings and the full body language of all 5 people involved it’s clearer for the viewer to see that there is something else going on, plus more people are interested in it.
How does one signifier relate to the others used (do some carry more weight than others)?
In relation to each other they are somehow all sitting in the position. Either with the fingers entwined or hand with the hand supporting the chin. Therefore I do not find that one distinguishes him or herself with more ‘weight’ of significance. In relation to one another they look fairly equal.
How does the sequential or spatial arrangement of the elements influence meaning?
The ‘elements’ in this case are the 5 people sitting influence the meaning of this picture with their body language. They are all doing ‘exact’ the same. You might wonder ‘Why? What makes all of them do this?’ - Could when choosing ‘video’ as a media – this arrangement be emphasized – for instance moving form one person/face to the next…? In that case I think it will emphasize the ‘story’ behind the composition. A moving shot will give more reality to what is happening. But to keep the viewer wondering about the story behind this photograph, it is better to keep it as a snapshot. A video is more relieving due to changing body languages in it.
How direct is the mode of address and what is the significance of this? (e.g. camera angle)
The camera angle is straight forward. This gives the viewer a full portrait of the characters in the picture. In case of a close up or shot from a different angle, the viewer might see it different/not see the whole picture and might interpret the picture different. Depending on what he or she might be seeing.
What insights has a semiotic analysis of this ‘text’ offered?
The insight I have gained from this semiotic analysis is that in photography you need ‘signs’ in visual terms in order to interpret or decode and so to be able to analyze it in terms of semiotics. This photograph is merely a snapshot of time and has no specific meaning unlike certain paintings or symbols have. It can convey different meanings for different people in terms of photography but no actual message of signification.
How important is choice of media form in communicating a certain message/meaning?
The choice of media is very important. Wrong media choice could resolve in misinterpretation or even not ‘reach’ the target group. Also the capturing by different type of media gives can give different meaning to things. Therefore you have to have reasonably enough knowledge of your target group so that the communication will be effective.
“Things have no intrinsic meaning and become signs only when we invest them with meaning.”
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten