Semiotics
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Most of the time we don't notice that we are analysing and using semiotics; they are a range of tools such as words, imagery, signs or symbols that represent meaning. Semiotics can also represent the relationship between different messages which is fundamental in creating design that holds context. As a designer, I am always looking for a meaning or context within my work therefore I thought that this Lecture was very interesting to see how other designers underpin these messages within their work.
Signs
Signs can be speech, written language, gestures, codes, sounds and objects. To be a sign it must create an emotional or relatable impact. Context is everything; Banksy's work is very effective due to the meaning behind his beautiful graffiti designs; without these political messages it would be boring and un-relatable. The political messages as well as the edgy and disobedient nature of his work all come together to form an ironic and subversive message. The way in which these designs are stamped upon buildings and city walls only makes the sign more prominent and only adds to the strong feelings and emotions embedded within his designs. Your brain is wired to make sense of an image within a millisecond, hence the reason why semiotics are so effective within design and advertising. I particularly love using this concept within Studio or Process and Production work. I love being able to read upon a piece of work and having the context or viewpoint change. This idea that art means something different to everyone is interesting to me and this is all to do with signs and symbols (semiotics) within the art. 
One of my personal favourite artist who deals with semiotics is Tracey Emin. Last year I got the lucky chance to visit the 'My Bed' exhibition at the Tate Britain that is a piece of art brimming with concept and really strong semiotics. This piece is full of signs, symbols and hidden meaning. Im even fascinated by how the meaning of the 'bed' has changed throughout the years; Emin created "My Bed" back in 1998 by which the meaning and context was much darker and twisted than when she looks back at it today. The 'Bed' is ultimately a metaphor for Emin's state of mind during a relationship breakup when she was younger; she described how she stayed in bed for two full days and after waking up after the two days, staring at the bed and viewing what meaning and effect it had caused on her mental and physical health. The shock value of the objects put around the conceptual metaphor (Empty booze bottles, fag butts, stained sheets, worn pants: the bloody aftermath of a nervous breakdown), shocked and upset viewers. The way Emin mixes her personal life with her art makes it ultimately the greatest meaning and conceptual artwork in my opinion, that because of the semiotics used, creates a piece of artwork alike no-other.
“I think now people see the bed as a very different thing. With history and time, the bed now looks incredibly sweet and there’s this enchantment to it. I think people will see it differently as they see me differently. And there are things on that bed that now have a place in history. Even forms of contraception, the fact that I don’t have periods anymore, the fact that the belt that went round my waist now only fits around my thigh.
The semiotics used in "My Bed" can also be time related - Emin mentions how the "Bed" was so shocking because of its signature in time and place: “Back in the 90s, it was all about cool Britannia and the shock factor and now I hope, 15 years later, people will finally see it as a portrait of a younger woman and how time affects all of us. I am still very proud of it and I am grateful that the right person bought it.” - Telegraph
The semiotics used in "My Bed" can also be time related - Emin mentions how the "Bed" was so shocking because of its signature in time and place: “Back in the 90s, it was all about cool Britannia and the shock factor and now I hope, 15 years later, people will finally see it as a portrait of a younger woman and how time affects all of us. I am still very proud of it and I am grateful that the right person bought it.” - Telegraph
In the lecture we also looked at the work of Antony Burrill and the iconic screen print 'Oil and Water do not mix'. The semiotics within the print link to the form follows function lecture; the piece is actually made from oil taken from the middle east and mainly holds the whole form of the artwork. The artwork then becomes very political; tackling issues on how we use, consume and take oil for granted on a daily basis. I like this also because it flips convention, and questions how we actually create screen prints. Artists like this, who push boundaries creatively, are of my favourite.
As a designer I am always looking for new and inventive ideas and inspiration that works as a catalyst to produce meaningful and thought provoking design. After this lecture, I realised how much Semiotics plays a vital role in not just what I create but what every designer creates. Artwork without meaning isn't really artwork unless it tells a story or has a strong reflection on a person. The examples I have provided show how semiotics can range across all art-forms and also how boundaries can be pushed through semiotics, as they deliver signs and symbols that create a reflective context behind the art. I will try and use semiotics as much as possible now within my work, always questioning why the work effective.
As a designer I am always looking for new and inventive ideas and inspiration that works as a catalyst to produce meaningful and thought provoking design. After this lecture, I realised how much Semiotics plays a vital role in not just what I create but what every designer creates. Artwork without meaning isn't really artwork unless it tells a story or has a strong reflection on a person. The examples I have provided show how semiotics can range across all art-forms and also how boundaries can be pushed through semiotics, as they deliver signs and symbols that create a reflective context behind the art. I will try and use semiotics as much as possible now within my work, always questioning why the work effective.
