Icon of an Apple and Iconic Realism

Steve Jobs (1956-2011) 

Rest in Peace

iThankyou!  

(I took this photo today of my MacPowerbook G4, Leopard upgrade.)

Steve Jobs' life on this planet is over, but his inspirational genius will be long remembered as an example of passion, perseverance, innovation, visionary and generous. I write this on my Mac PowerBook G4, bought in 2004. Below is an excerpt from my book in which I describe the evolution of an icon, of course making reference to the Apple computer. 

As a community determines the identity of a symbol, its structure becomes more eminently definable as interpretations transform this signifier into a more singular representation, an icon. For example, at one time an artistic rendering of a bitten apple might lead one to associate it with the Biblical story of Eve in the Garden of Eden or perhaps a ripened fruit, ready for the preparation of an apple pie or some other edible delight. However, since the latter part of the twentieth century, within the mobile global community, a bitten apple signifies an international computer enterprise, an icon for technological innovation. Hence, a community determines multiple associations with a symbol and gradually, through consistent development, will move this symbol to its prominent association as a recognizable icon for the duration that the icon remains a visible entity within the community. 

(The Theory of Iconic Realism: Understanding the Arts through Cultural Context  p. 25)