The theory of signs. Semiotics Semiotics is concerned with meaning how representation (language, images, objects) generates meanings the processes by which we comprehend or attribute meaning Images and objects are understood as dynamic What a sign means is the result of complex interrelationships between: the individual the image / object / word factors like culture and society
Semiotic Terminology Semiotics is the study of signs and signifying practices. Sign: any entity that refers to something else (words, images, objects, etc.) Sign = (Signifier + Signified) Both of these are signifiers The concept of a tree is what is signified
Semiotic Terminology Semiotics is the study of signs and signifying practices. Signifying practices: - How meaning is produced - The social conventions that link signs with meanings is called a code - Meaning is not inherent in images / objects we attribute meaning based on learned cultural ideas
Ferdinand De Saussure (1857-1913) Swiss Linguist Founded semiology in early 20th century subset of structural linguistics Sign = Signifier + Signified Relationship between signifier/signified is arbitrary The signifier red is not in itself red Different languages have different words for the same thing
Rene Magritte, The Treachery of Images (This is Not a Pipe), 1929
Joseph Kosuth, One and Three Chairs, 1965
Roland Barthes (1915-1980) French social and literary critic Marxist Mythologies (1957) Used semiotics to decode the artifacts of mass culture Demythologizes artifacts: to discern hidden messages who is generating these messages? for what purposes? (usually coercive)
Roland Barthes, Myth Today Language - First-Order of Signification - Denotation Denotation: literal, obvious meaning of a sign (word / image / object) Connotation: social and personal associations of the sign an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal meaning Connotation produces the illusion of denotation Myth makes history appear natural, as a given Disguises what is being proposed Myth - Connotation - Second-Order of Signification - A second language that speaks about the first Myth appropriates speech, it steals it and when it returns, it is not the same. - Barthes
Roland Barthes, Myth Today Language - First-Order of Signification - Denotation Myth - Connotation - Second-Order of Signification - A second language that speaks about the first First-order: sign / literal - signifier: young, dark skinned soldier, saluting flag - signified: French military Second-order: myth (what it really means) - secondary order meaning - apology for French colonialism - disguises social problems
Semiotics & Art Artists arrange signs Concepts, other artworks, self-referential Artists make and reference mythologies Make new meaning Signifiers take various forms Image, text, objects, sounds, clothing, movements
Martha Rosler, Semiotics of the Kitchen, "An anti-julia Child replaces the domesticated 'meaning' of tools with a lexicon of rage and frustration." Martha Rosler Transgresses and changes the familiar system of everyday kitchen meanings 1975
Semiotics, Art History, Demythologizing Some art historians/critics use semiotics to critique/analyze artworks You are demythologizing when you reveal the interests or ideological function behind images.
BUILDING YOUR RESUME
Opportunities Rhizome: Tends to be for new media artists http://rhizome.org/community/opportunities/ Re-title: http://blog.re-title.com/opportunities/ CAA: http://www.collegeart.org/opportunities/ NYFA: Awards, Services, Publications: https://www.nyfa.org/opportunities http://source.nyfa.org/content/search/search.aspx?s A=1
More resources Call for Entry: https://www.callforentry.org/index.php Art Deadline: http://artdeadline.com/opps-type/type-call/ Search Google or (another search engine) for Artist Opportunities, Artist Call for Work, Call for Artists, etc.
Art Exhibitions Local / National / International Gallery exhibitions Commercial galleries Alternative spaces Museum exhibitions Biennials and triennials Art Fairs Art Fair High-end commercial: Blum and Poe, Gagosian Low end commercial Alternative Spaces: Artists Space, The Kitchen Biennials: Venice Biennale
Tips Do not pay to apply to anything. Applying should be free Apply to many shows, get used to rejection. Competitive Look into the curators of a show. What do they tend to show? If the curator is an artist, what is their work like? If your work resonates with them, they will want you in the show. Even if you don t apply, look at open calls for artists to see what kinds of topics curators/artists are interested in Join in to discussions that are happening in the art world(s)