Visible Signs

An Introduction to Semiotics in the Visual Arts

Visible Signs cover

Visible Signs

An Introduction to Semiotics in the Visual Arts

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Description

Basic semiotic theories are taught in most art schools as part of a contextual studies program, but many students find it difficult to understand how these ideas might impact on their own practice. Visible Signs tackles this problem by introducing key theories and concepts, such as signs and signifiers, and language and speech, within the framework of visual communication.

Each chapter provides an overview of a particular facet of semiotic theory, with inspiring examples from graphic design, typography, illustration, advertising and art to illustrate the ideas discussed in the text. Creative exercises at the end of the book will help exemplify these ideas through practical application.

The third edition of Visible Signs features new material from international designers and new creative exercises to accompany each chapter. This new edition also features a new design and layout.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Components. What is Theory?; Agreement; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 2: How Meaning is Formed. Categories of Sign; Value; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 3: Reading the Sign: The Reader; Convention and Motivation; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 4: Text and Image: Digital and Analogue Codes; Advertising Writing; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 5: Official and Unofficial Language: Habitus; The Production of Legitimate Language; The Competition for Cultural Legitimacy; Unofficial Language; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 6: Symbolic Creativity: Hyperinstitutionalisation; Play and Identity; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 7: Junk and Culture: Dirt and Taboo; Rubbish Theory; Rubbish as a Resource; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 8: Open Work: Information and Meaning; Openness and the Visual Arts; Openness and Information; Form and Openness; Portfolio; Exercises.
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgements and Picture Credits

Product details

Published 01 Sep 2018
Format Paperback
Edition 3rd
Extent 192
ISBN 9781350092655
Imprint Bloomsbury Visual Arts
Illustrations 200 colour illus
Dimensions 270 x 210 mm
Series Required Reading Range
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

David Crow

David Crow, until his sudden death in 2022, was UA…

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