Visual language in art & design
Semiotics
The effect the colours have on me/the viewer
Write short
sentences/lists describing the image and then extend on them afterwards.
Narrative images and their contexts.
Images are used in multiple contexts, we see them everywhere i.e social media, billboards, newspapers etc..
Each image has been created to communicate a meaning/narrative to their specific audiences.
Whether we are looking at an advertisement shot or a piece intended for a gallery, we are reading what successfully conveys narrative on many levels.
Fashion.
Fashion photography uses narrative image making.
In our magazines we are becoming more accustomed to seeing 'fashion stories' across several pages.
These 'fashion stories' transport the viewer into a scenario that is being played out to display the clothes but to also project a particular look or feel to the clothes being advertised.
These 'fashion stories' play with our senses and entice you too the point where you want or need the clothes that are being advertised.
This fashion story was shown in the W magazine.
The story was about two iconic film starts and they placed them in multiple images that shows them in a domestic setting (family environment)
The narrative that is being portrayed in this image is that the two are in a loving family, who like to sit in their back garden on a nice beautiful day enjoying the sun while spending time with their children.
In the following photographs, explain what the narrative is being portrayed?
'Domestic Bliss' by Steven Klein
In this photograph the narrative that is being portrayed is a religious family because of them praying round the dinner table, it also shows that the children are well behaved and that they are well dressed, this also symbolises that they are a much higher class and have the money to afford such a divine dinning area.
In this photograph the narrative is a couple who are watching something on the tv which seems to be distressing because of the look on the womans face however there is also another alternative that the woman is the mans object and uses her for his own sake this can be seen by what he's wearing and how he's sat on his chair as if he seems to be the boss/man of the house and thats why she's in such little clothing and she's just used to it all.
In this photograph the narrative is that this couple seem to of had a disagreement and she looks annoyed at what he might of said however the other conclusion is that she's staring off into the distance and admiring what is out in the world or she's day dreaming about herself and what she's achieved.
In this photograph the narrative which is portrayed is that she seems to be very seductive because of the way she has been placed as well as her finger on her lips, she seems very relaxed and laid back with her glass of wine so she could just be relaxing however there could be someone else in the room i.e her husband who she's talking to and is being 'sexual' towards him.
Where do we see fashion images?
We see fashion images everywhere and some of the most common places are: -
- Magazines
- Brochures
- Billboards
- Galleries
- Television
- Books
Characteristics of Fashion images?!
- Must show the clothes.
- Must portray the lifestyle that the clothes dictate.
- Must create aesthetically pleasing images.
Must engage the viewer and allow the intended target audience to relate to the content.
Advertising.
- Advertising imagery is narrative based.
- Advertising agencies and photographers combine their understanding of image making by creating highly effective and often powerful advertisements.
- These images are consumed by the audience to leave 'us' feeling like 'we' cannot live without the product or the product will enhance 'our' lives in ways 'we' can only imagine.
-Advertisements with successful narratives will evoke strong emotions too.
Examples of this are shown within anti-smoking photographs/advertisements.
Look at these images, what effect do they have on you?! Is this successful image making?!
Strap line - 'smoking isn't just suicide. It's murder.'
These photographs have a really big impact on me, it makes you realise what smoking actually does to children, it makes you realise that not only are you harming yourself but your also suffocating those around you including kids who are nothing but just innocent/defenceless human beings and its like putting them through torture and they dont deserve to die before their lives have even started.
These photographs give a powerful message and I definitely feel this is a successful image which has been made because it'll get those who smoke to realise the damage they are doing.
Strap line - 'Everything you do affects your children.'
In this photograph it doesn't have the same affect on me than the first photograph, however it does give a perspective on how thick the smoke can accumulate into one space or area which represents that those inhaling it are blocking up their entire airway leaving them starving of oxygen.
This photograph has a very little successful rate, its not actually portraying what the damage the nicotine/cigarette does to a child, its not deterring the audience however its more so enticing them inwards because of the materials which have been used and because of the photograph theres no meaning behind the image except that it produces a lot of smoke.
In this photograph its very similar to the one above and gives the same representation however its more intensified and clarifies that smoking isn't bad because its been presented using a child's toy - lego, this just draws them in more which is a negative towards what their trying to advertise because this is initially aimed towards those who are old enough to have responsibilities but if a child would see this they would be fascinated and intrigued rather than diverted from it.
This photograph is far from successful in my opinion because it just gives the wrong meaning behind the photograph, it represents nothing physically damaging about what it could do to a child, this photograph isn't suitable for preventing/stopping those who smoke.
In this photograph the effect it has on me is also neutral, it gives no perspective of how damaging smoking a cigarette/fag can either do to yourself/or a child, it just gives the idea around that they produce a lot of smoke which does give an indication that it causes breathing problems and suffocation but doesn't give specific qualities about the danger of smoking around children, I've come to notice that all three photographs except the first one have very similar qualities around what their trying to represent and by my indication their personally not showing enough impact of what it contributes to, its not just a cloud of smoke, its a the chemicals within it that surround those of a younger age, it causes immense damage towards the body and it can't be reversed, it also makes them feel as if they can't breath and thats why I believe the first photograph is the idealistic image to portray that, it has the most sufficient and realistic image of the cigarettes.
In conclusion this photograph is not successful in my personal choice because it just gives the wrong idea about cigarettes and doesn't divulge the honest truth about the deadly chemicals that they pursue in them as well as the effect of second-hand smoking which can occur when children are around, personally the first photograph has the best message whereas the other three just show three cigarettes in a different material.
Nike
strap line - 'Just Do It'
Wieden + Kennedy, Photographer Nick Georgiou.
How do these images for Nike portray narrative?!
This photograph shows a narrative because the way he has the England flag symbolised on his body which signifies that he supports the England football team, it also shows he has confidence in his team and this is shown because he is able to proudly show off his teams flag. Also a narrative is portrayed within this photograph by the way he has his hands in fists shouting at the top of his voice, this symbolises that he's cheering for his team or they've either scored a goal and he's celebrating.
This photograph shows a narrative by the way she's laid on the floor, this gives a perspective that even if you fall down than you can always get back up no matter what happens, it also shows that she's an ice skater and she's doing what she loves and is enjoying the moment she is having, it symbolises that you can do what your passionate about and shouldn't let anything stop you or get in your way.
Where do you see advertising images?
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Brochures
- Billboards
- Tv
- Social Media
Characteristics of advertising images
- Must clearly show the product
- Must have impact on the viewer either negative or positive
- Must entice the viewer into purchasing the product.
- Must be pleasing towards the viewers eye.
- Must conform to advertising standards (ASA = Advertising Standards Authority)
Documentary
Documentary photography usually refers to a very popular form of photography used for chronological events, its basically an accurate representation of people, places, objects and of course events throughout the years, its significantly like photojournalism because they take photographs of important or relevant events, a documentary photographer gets facts and historical reasons behind the photographs where as a photojournalist just gathers a photograph without anything behind it i.e information. Over the years documentary photography has captured key historical events. cultural differences and social ills - they make us question our own views and they can be highly emotional within their photography and shows us the reality behind each photograph which we've never experienced or seen in our life before.
Robert Frank 'The Americans'
What do these images show about the American way of life?
In this photograph it shows Americans way of life by how the mother of the child is black whereas the baby is white, this was a period of segregation and this shows the baby is adopted which symbolises equality.
This photograph shows americas way of life by the typical diner style, it represents how much food orientated America is in a way because of how much it is advertised in such a spectacular and bold way.
In this photograph the way it symbolises the americas way of life is by how they are watching a film outside in their cars, its the typical American style and very wide spread so you instantly know its America based, its typically seen within movies which stereotypes this towards Americans in particular.
What do the following images tell you about Ray and the way he lives?
In all four of these photographs it tells you about ray by how he is represented and this concludes of him being shown as a very old and senile man, it shows him beside a toilet which indicates he either fell or ended up there without any idea however the first image is titled 'Ray's a laugh' which suggest that these photographs are being portrayed as him being funny and living his day to day life as he normally would.
In conclusion all four photographs are presented around the idea of 'Ray's a laugh' which says it all, he eats, sleeps, laughs like he normally would, its trying to show his personality. The way the photographs tells us how he lives is by his surroundings which portray a old fashioned style and him being served his dinner which also suggests he's senile or handy-capped to not be able to prepare his own dinner or his wife has cooked for him.
Where do we see documentary images?
- Books.
- Galleries.
- Magazines.
- Newspapers.
- Television.
What are the characteristics of a documentary?
- Must be a candid shot.
- Must document an event, this could either be interaction of two people or a war zone.
- Must try to express a point of view.
- Must try to connect with the audience, this could be on an emotive level which means it connects with them
emotionally.
- Must be aesthetically pleasing which means it must be something people would enjoy to watch.
What is Fine art narrative?
Fine art narrative image making is driven by a concept which means the work stems from a personal response by the artist/photographer who is actually making the work.
This type of work would fall into traditional photographic genres i.e landscape, portraiture or the object.
The artist/photographer is actually trying to convey an idea or express a point of view that they are impassioned by in life or what they've seen throughout their lives.
Tom Hunter - 'Holly Street Residents'
What is Tom Hunter trying to say through these four photographs?
What I believe that Tom Hunter is trying to say through these images is that not everyone lives the same way, not everyone has the same items or even have family or friends with them, these photographs are highly emotive because it shows the impact of how one person lives from the next and not a-lot of people realise that some people are alone, I believe Tom Hunter was trying to express the Hugh cultural difference that are around today and that there are so many independent and different people in this world and that people live their lives so separately.
Where do we see fine art images?
- Galleries.
- Books.
- Print shops.
What are the characteristics of fine art?
- Must portray a strong concept/idea.
- Must be of personal interest to the artist or photographer
- must conform top certain aesthetics.
Must try to provoke a response from the viewer i.e show emotion or confusion.
- Must be original in terms of aesthetics or subject matter.
Ideas for generating ideas.
Defintion: There are a few things which could help with the idea generation and this consist of - Feed the subconscious, record and retrieve inspirational moments and ideas and lastly find patterns in good ideas.
Creating a piece of art about 'music piracy'.
- You must define the subject i.e music and piracy.
- Define what you will be brainstorming about - more associations the better, having a variety of ideas to work with.
Examples of some ways to help define your subject.
Function: Does it have a function? Is that function part of its identity? Examples of this are:
- Shovel = dig.
- Telephone = talk.
- Bridge = cross.
- Madonna = sing.
Physical characteristics: Are its physical characteristics a key part of its identity? Examples of this are:
- Water = clear.
- Sun = fire/hot.
- Knife = sharp.
- Ice = cold.
Non-physical characteristics: Are its non-physical characteristics a key part of its identity? Examples of this are:
- Mother Teresa = unselfish.
- Albert Einstein = intelligent.
- Shark = dangerous.
Association: What are the first things that come to mind when you think about your subject? Examples of this are:
- Racism = swastika.
- Money = pound sign.
- Crying = tears.
Can & can't / Is & isn't: Think of things that are opposite of it! Examples of this are:
- Order = chaos
- Peace = war
- Snow = sun
Task: Write a paragraph on what you think the idea is that the artistic is trying to put across to you as a decoder (Three images.)
The idea that I believe that this artist is trying to put across to us is that animals across the globe are slowing vanishing into thin air because of the pollution and the destruction that humans are doing to the world and because we are destroying their natural habitat/environment without any care about the welfare of the animals, it making them become more venerable to the world of life and cannot justify its existent and just slowly die off. its as if the human race has become objectified and don't take into consideration the devastation which their causing the animals to endure.
The idea that I believe that the artist is trying to portray within this image is that were destroying out planets resources to just be wasted or thrown away, it represents that trees are needed and necessary for this world and for us to be able to keep us alive with oxygen, the artist is trying to symbolise how simple one sheet of paper can be easily drifted away into pointless books or cars whereas a tree is a source of life and shouldn't be destroyed.
In this I believe the artist is trying to represent the theme around loneliness and rejection towards the world as well as self-pity and worthlessness, hes trying to demonstrate what some people suffer with when their alone and battling with mental heal issues or abandonment, it shows the emotions of how someone feels on a day to day basis whether thats their body negativity or their outlook on life being pushed away from every opportunity or bullied, it gives a portrait of reality which can't be seen naturally.
Human form
What is human form?: Human form art is where art/photography is combined with the human body, an example of this is 'The Scream' art by Munch in 1893.
This art work is autobiographical, an expressionistic construction based on Munch's actual experience of a scream piercing through nature while on a walk after his two companions who can be seen in the background had left him
'content constructed from : www.EdvardMunch.org'
Research a range of photographers who used the human form.
Miguel Ribeiro
- Born in Lisbon, 18th August, 1952 -
The way Miguel Ribeiro has portrayed the human form within these photographs it really shows you the way the human body can be manipulated and portrayed differently, his piece of work is really intimate and makes the visuals of the body more bold.
Miguel Ribeiro was concerned with the abstract depiction of his own body, its textures and sculptural potential explored as an object, stripped of its human identity which he then later created the photographic series 'Abstract Body'.
The formal elements within his work is how he uses black and white throughout his photographs, Miguel also shows deep textures throughout his work i.e lines within the skin, shuttle hairs and skin textures, this emphasises the effect of the meaning behind the imagery, the shapes that are created are also magnify the features of the human form or create something so un-imaginable and creative you wouldn't even recognise the concept of it being a human body however within his photography he specifies the key features of the human body.
Ted Tahquechi
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer who doesn't let his disability get the best of him, he takes advantage of his opportunity to grasp moments which he is unable to see, he is completely blind in his right eye with only 5% vision in his left.
Ted Tahquechi's human form photographs really show the potential of how photography is possible if you just believe and keep practicing, the difference between Teds and Miguel is that Teds human form photographs are more focused on the structure and muscles of the body whereas Miguels is centred round the key features of a human body, the parts where you identify the character of someone.
The formal elements within Teds work is very similar to Miguels because of how they're both centred round the colour of black and white, I believe they both used this because of how much the black and white filter brings out the features, in Teds human form photographs your able to see the curves of the body structure and the crease/dents of the muscles however its harder to recognise which part of the body he has photographed however in Miguels you can tell by the key features which he includes, both symbols different meanings behind the imagery even though their both the same art form.