Semiotics Discussion

We talked about the uses of semiotics in images, I personally didn't know what semiotics were but i found out it is actually something i do alot of in my own work. Semiotics is the study of signs, images, sounds, gestures, objects and the language behind certain imagery and how it effects how we look at things. We learn semiotics naturally as we grow and the way we see certain signs depends on many factors such as age, culture and sex. We all can read images and signs differently, meaning that semiotics can not actually be teached because there is no true semiotic behind anything.

We looked at this image advertising pasta and other similar food. We discussed what semiotics that photo has to help sell the food. The deep red colour makes you think of passion and a strong rich flavor, while the fruit and veg makes you think of freshness. The fruit and veg lead you to believe its all natural and organic, however its packaged dried food in plastic. The found is show in a shopping bag, this make you want to go out and buy it straight away or to add it to your own basket because it has already visually been placed into your brain. The simple use of Italian writing is a semiotic adds to the idea that the food is made with passion, as Italy is know for its pasta dishes.

We also discussed the semiotics in the music video for Johnny Cash's "Hurt". A very powerful video that I feel represents Cash's life coming towards it's end and show him looking back on his life. While watching the video you notice alot of biblical references, this is most likely because of johnny Cash's god-like following within country music. Empty museums full of old Johnny Cash merchandise are shown, the museums are 'churches' were his fans would go, however showing them empty symbolises the end of his fame and ultimately his existence.

We talked about how the video had a very Renaissance feel to it, with a look of many paintings of the time. A references of 'The Last Supper' is seen, Cash sitting at large banquet of fruits and meat, known for lasting only a short while before rotting, the food symbolises how short life is. The wine he pours refers to life washing away and how wealth and luxury mean little to a dying man. The video ends with Johnny Cash closing the piano, symbolising the end.