Semiotics
‘’The moment you believe you understand a great work of art, it’s dead for you’’ (Oscar Wilde, cited in World of Quotes) Visual Art is the embodiment of the artist’s perceptions and values. Artists convey private and public interpretation of their work using signs and symbols. The audience identifies signs and symbols found in artworks to create their own meaning. Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols, this understanding can give the viewer a more insightful interpretation towards artwork. The examination of three artists, Leonardo Da Vinci, Andy Warhol and Ron Mueck the specific viewpoints from which they produce their work are expressed. Through the analysis of elements and principles, as well as semiotics the intended meanings of each artist are communicated.
The first artist that will be analysed in relation to the use of semiotics and symbolism throughout their work is Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo Da Vinci was born in 1452 and was unquestionably the most skilled artist of the Renaissance. The renaissance was a time period where the values within the society were express through evolving art. Leonardo used art to express his point of view on religion, politics and society because he was able to imply subtle symbols which denote his thoughts and opinions. The specific artwork by Leonardo Da Vinci that will be discussed is ‘The Last Supper’ (See Appendix 1). His Theme throughout this piece was humanism, ‘depicting God or a Holy figure as a human or at the same level as one, which had never been done before.’ (Art cyclopaedia, 2011)
This artwork took three years to finish, from 1495-1497. This gives the audience a broader appreciation for the piece as the depth and complexness of the artwork is clear. Symbolism played a key role in Leonardo’s art; ‘The Last Supper’ contains symbols that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. He used these symbols to ultimately express his personal values and beliefs on religion. Leonardo used oil paint to create ‘The
The first artist that will be analysed in relation to the use of semiotics and symbolism throughout their work is Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo Da Vinci was born in 1452 and was unquestionably the most skilled artist of the Renaissance. The renaissance was a time period where the values within the society were express through evolving art. Leonardo used art to express his point of view on religion, politics and society because he was able to imply subtle symbols which denote his thoughts and opinions. The specific artwork by Leonardo Da Vinci that will be discussed is ‘The Last Supper’ (See Appendix 1). His Theme throughout this piece was humanism, ‘depicting God or a Holy figure as a human or at the same level as one, which had never been done before.’ (Art cyclopaedia, 2011)
This artwork took three years to finish, from 1495-1497. This gives the audience a broader appreciation for the piece as the depth and complexness of the artwork is clear. Symbolism played a key role in Leonardo’s art; ‘The Last Supper’ contains symbols that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. He used these symbols to ultimately express his personal values and beliefs on religion. Leonardo used oil paint to create ‘The
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