Visual vs Symbolic Language

• Desperate
• Hard Worker
• Recession
• Optimistic
• Struggle
• Unemployed
• Relentlessness

Symbols

• Hopeful
• Intelligent
• Powerless
• Exhausted 

This photograph above shows a man holding a sign, with his educational accomplishments, stating he completed his PhD, and other notable accomplishments.  I believe this photograph can show the viewer, how bad the state of the economy is at this point in time.  Displaying that even with great amounts of higher education, and many accomplishment, the economy is not producing jobs for individuals.  However i also see hope and a certain relentlessness of this man's desire to work.  Because if this man is standing on the street holding a cardboard sign as a resume, i believe we can assume he has been actively looking for a new job but has had no luck.  This is a sign of desperation from a man who simply just wants to work.

Meaning 2

Representational

The designer of this chair created a chair that represents an octopus.  From looking at the chair the viewer can see the back of the chair is the top of the octopuses head.  While the rest of the octopus body is used as the back legs of the chair.  

Abstract

Although the body of the octopus is not abstracted in the sense it is simplified.  Instead the octopus’s body is abstracted into a chair which leaves the octopus very realistic looking.  Leaving the viewer wondering if it really is a chair.  This was done by cutting the octopuses body in half and abstracting the back half of the animal into a suitable chair for a person.

Symbolic

While many people not might know this.  I grew up fishing on the open ocean, and an octopus is considered to be one of the great mysteries of the sea.  They symbolize great intelligence, illusion, and magic.  

Meaning 1

Representational

This chair is a highly recognizable form of a Scorpion.  Although the chair looks to be comfortable, one might be cautious or even afraid to take a seat in it, due to our predisposed knowledge of Scorpions, being dangerous animals.  This chair might give the viewer a sense of adventure because we don’t typically associate comfort with poisonous animals.

Abstract

This photo is an example of abstraction, because of the kinesthetic quality of the visual even reduced to a basic level.  The hand holding the chopsticks is a silhouette which I believe gives more emotion than a detailed hand.  It makes the view think a little deeper into the photo.  I think this photo tells the viewer to take a step back from the life in the big city and realize there is a lot more to this world than where you live.  The chopsticks I think express this very well showing that the city is small in comparison to our potential.

Symbolic

This sign is a good example of symbolism because it incorporates the use of icons.  Icons use representational information to communicate meaning. For example this sign depicts the correct way to use the toilet.  Although sometime icons require cultural knowledge I believe this sign communicates how to use the toilet very well.