The Semiotic Theory of Iconic Realism and Sydney Owenson (Lady Morgan), Writer and Patriot

 

Sydney Owenson Morgan and Harp 

(My book cover photo, permission to use photo has been given by the New York Public Library)

My semiotic theory of iconic realism is one I composed whilst researching Sydney Owenson’s national tale, The Wild Irish Girl. This semiotic theory of iconic realism involves any artist’s placement of a realistic, iconic object or person in a unique realistic setting in which this icon does not usually appear, to create a vivid representation of the icon within the designated realistic setting. 

Since both the icon and the realistic setting represent conceptual realism within a given culture which the artist’s rendering represents, this unexpected juxtaposition results in a vital perception. These two unusual entities, positioned by the artist, create awareness in the audience of a need for a change within the culture. 

Sydney Owenson incorporates the field of semiotics, dealing with the meaning of Irish terms and their connections with English interpretations. I had noticed the manner in which she established the iconic images of Ireland and England in realistic settings that were normally not associated with these images. In doing so, she brings to light the needed transformation of legislative and societal interactions between the 19th century English and Irish. 

© Jeanne I. Lakatos

To hear me read this, please click HERE.

Natural Order and Iconic Realism

I took this photo in Coole Park, County Galway, Ireland

If one were to gaze upon the photograph I have posted here, a sense of equality exists within the natural balance of the trees' trunks, for they vividly reflect the underground root system, the source of their immensely visual structures; yet, each tree is uniquely exposed by a natural Order. 

This illustrates the existence of iconic realism in the natural world in that it is unusual to see a tree's trunk and branches specifically revealing the source of its power. Usually, one would have to dig beneath the surface to see this, but as I walked beneath the branches of these enormous Irish evergreens, I could almost feel the life force surging from the unseen root systems below my feet.

What does this reveal in a cultural sense? Those leaders that become the most powerful, whether in government, business, education, or the arts, acknowledge that the source of their power exists within the 'root' of their successful endeavors, originating from that which flourishes from below the surface, "endowed by their Creator..."  

August Rodin's "The Kiss" and Iconic Realism

Photo of Rodin's The Kiss from Google Images

August Rodin’s The Kiss illustrates an iconic human act of a loving embrace. However, the two individuals do not touch. The significance of this is the key to understanding the iconic realism in this work of art. These two lovers emulate a common, human activity, yet this embrace, sculpted to express lack of physical contact, creates certain dissonance. 

The message from this careful configuration could be that humanity longs to embrace life fully, as an act of love; however, certain parameters prevent this occurrence. Other possible interpretations may involve a sense of distance. Regardless of the interpretation, this sculpture exemplifies iconic realism in that 1. there is an iconic structure, 2. placed in a realistic setting that does not conform to the accepting reality of intimacy. Through this juxtaposition, the artist illustrates 3a. cultural liberty, an innovation for the era in which it was sculpted or 3b. the gentle spirit that exists when true love is expressed freely.

To hear me read this, please click HERE.

Inspiration and Iconic Realism in Reims, France

Once, as a member of the choir at my Church, I had the privilege of seeing the reaction of the congregation to the priest's homily. The way this poem illustrates iconic realism is that we have a real individual, sitting in the iconic Catholic Mass, listening to the rhetoric of a priest; however, the spirit comes not from the dogmatic words of the priest's mind, but from another spiritual source within that reality and thus illustrates that the mind, heart, soul connection rests within individuals, given to each person by God. Their inner response to relevant awareness can move consciousness in a positive direction, fulfilling their God-given purpose. 

The photograph is one which I took at the Cathedral de Notre Dame in Reims, France. It illustrates iconic realism and my poem below, too. There, an iconic statue and one refurbished, standing side by side, reveal enlightenment through art. Through this restorative project, talent reveals beauty in a cathedral, where souls are restored daily. 

Inspiration

Her eyes met those

of the congregation

bound 

by sententious words 

from a pallid pen

failing to touch

her heart or mind or soul.

So she breathed, 

inhaled the Spirit

who whispered to her,

“You are whole and wonderful.

Follow Him: our Lord and Savior."

Exhaling a slow smile,

she sang a silent, restorative hymn,

a renaissance de le cœur.

© Jeanne I. Lakatos 

If you'd like to hear me read this, please click HERE. 

Century Mountain Project and Iconic Realism: Interpretation

Huang Xiang and William Rock

Click HERE to see their website

William Rock and Huang Xiang formed a collaboration that united iconic figures throughout the centuries with artistic/poetic expression. Their juxtaposition of these creative geniuses in the common public arena Has brought awareness of cultural coalescence.

How the audience incorporates and assimilates the information gained from perceiving a work of art, the reader, viewer or listener structures the information in order to create interpretation.

The audience draws from personal nuances to create the parameters of this creative endeavor, basing it upon the artist’s textual, visual, scientific or musical composition. This circuitous relationship between the audience and the artist continues to unfold as the audience adapts its mind-set to the art form.