Semiotic Theory

I took this photo in Dublin, Ireland a few years ago.

Content of material represented through literature, art and music contains the linguistic configurations associated with language in addition to visual and auditory stimuli. In literature, content consists of language, represented by words on a page that convey meaning to the audience. Artistic content varies from materials, such as paint, rock, metal, fabric, or other physical substance, with the subject matter originating in the human experience. Musical compositions include content that incorporates any form of resonance to which the auditory mechanism responds.

For instance, thematic representation of creative expression incorporates the history, language and culture of the artist in relation to individual purpose of expression with an audience. A musical composition contains a specific theme. This theme can then repeat every time a musician performs the piece. However, the theme will elicit variations based on instrumentation, acoustics, and musicians actively attempting to recreate the original sound. A new aurally thematic expression results from this interpretation. Likewise, a work of art will receive the eyes of multiple viewers. Each person adapts his/her life experience to the interpretation of the rendered artistic theme, thus altering the original thematic construct of the artist. Hence, a theme is in a constant state of evolution, no matter which art form has been presented. (Lakatos 22-23)

Political Media Campaigns and Iconic Realism

As the United States Presidential 2016 election draws near, I see an increase in the use of iconic realism among many of the political candidates' ads. Making sure a photo opportunity occurs in an iconic venue, be it a local diner, children's playground, senior citizen home, hospital, battle ground or board room, the television ads present these individuals as earnestly engaging in some form of activism to illustrate the need for cultural reform.

In contrast, campaign mud-slinging by both candidates attempts to perpetuate confusion in the public mind-set rather than provide any interest to vote for this or that particular candidate.

Personally, I would prefer to view the type of campaign ad that uses a positive form of iconic realism, which demonstrates that a candidate may actually have an innovative thought for positive change.

Ha! in my dreams...

Walt Whitman's "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" and Iconic Realism

Ader Planetarium Astronomy Museum, Art Institute of Chicago

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/5097973137_718735c9c6.jpg

When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer
by Walt Whitman

When I heard the learn'd astronomer,

When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,

When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,

When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with

much applause in the lecture-room,

How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,

Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself,

In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to tim

Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.

In Walt Whitman's poem, "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer, the speaker leaves an astronomy lecture to step outside the fixed parameters of the building. Subsequently, this individual learns first hand of the beauty when viewing the same firmament of which the lecturer speaks but viewed simply with the naked eye in silence. By leaving the lecture, the speaker, with scientific information gained from the the astronomer's lecture inside, now enjoys the silent beauty with appreciated knowledge, but more importantly, with appreciation of the significance of the stars’ natural condition. 

This poem illustrates iconic realism in that the subject,  constellations in a contrived setting, brings the audience and the speaker in the poem to a recognition that education of natural phenomena includes the experience of the real connection between humanity with nature. 

I warmly thank the Art Institute of Chicago for purchasing a copy of my book, The Theory of Iconic Realism: Understanding the Arts through Cultural Context.

Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling" and Iconic Realism

Photo of two swans, canoodling on East Lake, Danbury, CT

One of my favorite childhood tales is Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling." In this tale, he introduces the concept of tolerance by the placement of the animal kingdom's icon of grace, the swan, in a home of ducklings, known for awkwardness. The young swan is completely out of place in this environment. Here, Andersen uses iconic realism to illustrate that even though one may experience cruelty and humiliation, when one looks inward, one can realize individual truth and therefore, discover possibilities associated with self actualization.  (Click HERE to view Danny Kaye singing about this tale.)

'Global Water Foundation: Africa is Gasping' and Iconic Realism (Click onto this title to see and hear video

Thumbnail photo from YouTube video

While Baton Rouge, Louisiana has been bearing the deluge of rain, 30 + inches in the past few days, there are other parts of the world that have been struggling with drought conditions. That seems to be  the way with natural climate patterns. Climate change is not a modern phenomenon. On the contrary, our beautiful planet's climate has been changing for millions of years. Let's look at one current  method of dealing with the changes that occur, particularly those changes associated with drought. 

An effective way for public service organizations to reach the public is through a multi-sensory approach. Such is the case with the Global Water Foundation. To bring awareness of water shortages throughout the continent of Africa, this organization has created a brief, poignant film using iconic realism as a way to elucidate for its audience this grave ecological issue. In this brief film, the iconic image of a whale leaping out of the desert sand focuses the audience's attention o the increasingly devastating diminution of potable water, not only in Africa, but worldwide.  

St. Basil's Cathedral and Iconic Realism

Photo from Google Images

The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat, commonly known as St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, could be an example of iconic realism in two ways:

St. Basil was a man of humble eloquence, a true scholar who lived in Cappadocia during the 4th century. This cathedral, now a museum, is located in an area of the world in which many communist leaders have disregarded the human right of freedom of expression, yet it bears the namesake of one who dedicated his life to these rights, and thus, illustrates iconic realism. This iconic cathedral, a major landmark of Moscow, brings an awareness of the cultural need for individual expression, spiritual enlightenment, and freedom to pursue scholarly endeavors.

Moreover, this cathedral was constructed by supporters of Ivan the Terrible to commemorate his military victories. A towering cathedral of delicate design with vibrant colors in fanciful appearance, constructed to honor a man of war, this dichotomy demonstrates the semiotic theory of iconic realism in that the juxtaposition causes generations to re-evaluate the negative repercussions associated with warring factions. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Photo by Debbie Dewitt

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 detachment. Regardless of the interpretation, this sculpture exemplifies iconic realism in that there is an iconic structure, placed in a realistic setting that does not conform to the accepting reality of intimacy. Through this juxtaposition, the artist illustrates cultural liberation, an innovation for the era in which it was sculpted.