Meaning 1

Representation

A representation is, “a visual message or part of a visual message that is tied to what we see and recognize from environment and experience.” In other words it is the most realistic visual model next to experiencing the object in real life; given that it is a clear picture with good lighting. This photo represents the Seattle Branch Library, located in Seattle Washington. This direct reporting of visual details carries a large amount of detail and facilitates a remote visual experience of what the library and surroundings look like during this time of day. Car movement is represented by the streaks of white headlights and red brake lights along the surrounding streets. The dimly lit sky and the lights glowing through the library windows represent nighttime. Lastly, the building itself, in its exact geometric shape, color, and surroundings represent the Seattle Library.

Abstraction

“Abstraction, visually, is simplification toward a more intense and distilled meaning.” Abstraction can take two paths, one being pure abstraction, and the other a mere symbol with meaning attached (which is arbitrarily assigned). In the case of this piece of abstraction, the object is stripped down to minimal representational information and draws no connection with familiar visual data, environmental or experiential. The artist who painted the displayed piece of art mentions that it is a jellyfish abstract.  When looking at it, one can understand why the artist assigned this meaning; derived through the concept of thin jellyfish-like tentacles attached to round bulbous-like jellyfish bells.  Without this arbitrary assignment of information, the meaning of this painting would be unknown and left to the imagination of the viewer.

Symbolism 

Use of symbols demonstrates “symbolic thinking”, which is a “stepping stone to language.” In the United States it is universally understood that a yellow sign with a man walking between two lines denotes a pedestrian crosswalk.  This sign is considered a symbol because it does not carry a large amount of detail; containing only a human figure walking between two lines.  In order for this form of visual communication to become a universally understood message, public education is necessary.  The sign is packed full of crucial information that provokes both thinking and language. On the one hand a driver will see and understand it as a sign cautioning them that the designated area provides the pedestrian the right to cross.  While n the other hand a pedestrian will see and understand it as a sign for having the right to cross the street safely at that specific location.