Visual vs Symbolic Language

If we were to merely describe the visual representations of this image we would say that we have a square composition of a woman behind a patterned background.  Her being in the foreground, in a dark green uniform and looking into the distance, makes her the focal point of the image. Behind her we have patterns of stars and stripes that represent the US flag.

If one was to describe the anticipated emotions of viewing the image they would be:
inspiring
evoking pride
honor
dignity
 virture
having pride of one's country
nationalism
etc.

Symbols:
woman = denotes the women who have serviced our country
flag = trying to evoke nationalism

The way in which the composition of the woman is placed front and center of the image helps contribute to the way that the image is trying to give the viewer a sense of pride in their country.  The way the flag is majestically waving in the background only adds to the fact and highlights the idea of paying homage to all those, more specifically women, who have serviced our country.

Schiaparelli and Prada

This catalog was done by designer Abbott Miller of the design firm Pentagram for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2012 exhibition of the Fashion house Prada. The exhibition at The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art  is entitled: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.

The role of the catalog is to introduce the subjects to the viewers of the exhibit and what we are seeing are representational photographs of the designs. The high contrast and vibrant colors are eye catching to the viewer and display the clothing designs in an organized geometric manner.  It introduces the viewer to the shock value of the modern design aesthetic of the brand.

The abstract value of the catalog when it is stripped down to merely the binding and photographs, we see visuals of women in clothing and accessories.  As a viewer, you respond by either feeling pleasant emotions from the finding the beauty in the design or you can feel the latter. 

Symbolically the catalog is painting a picture of the evolution of the fashion house transitioning through different time periods.  They photographs visualize the important elements of what aesthetic and cultural values were important at each particular place in time.  

Meaning 2: Interactions Between the 3 Levels of Meaning

The Illuminati

The representational level of the photo merely shows a five dollar bill that has been folded, but there are a few different messages that are symbols of secret ideas and meanings.  If you have never heard of the alleged secret society called the illuminati then you could not recognize the clues in this photo that symbolize what they believe.

The abstraction of the five dollar bill that has been divided into three different folds has converted the words The United States of America into the word Satan to express the group’s devotion to Satanic followings.  The number five signifies the number of founding members of the original Bavarian Illuminati in 1776.

What is symbolic about the money being in the photo is the fact that the idea behind the illuminati is that they pledged their alliance to Satan in exchange for wealth and fame.  Many people believe that a lot of today’s most distinguished celebrities are members of the group.  Triangles have also been suspected to be symbols of their group.