Semiotics Analysis

In our last context of practise session we got into groups of 3 and analyised the semiotics of an illustration of our choice and were asked to give a short 10 minute presentation. This is the illustration we chose, by Chris Riddell:

We created this table to break everything down: 

Signifier	Signified
The Elephant Light Bulb Gordon Brown David Cameron Ties and Socks	The phrase “The elephant in the room” something expressly ignored to the point of awkwardness. Ignoring the obvious. Represents the harsh light, things coming to light, illuminating the elephant, also interrogation Leader of Labour Leader of Conservatives The colours of the parties
Denotative	Connotative
It’s a drawing of an elephant with ‘Spending cuts’ written on its ears The drawing of a  bare light bulb Gordon Brown and David Cameron Ties and Socks Speech bubbles	Politicians ignoring pressing matters, Even though they are sitting uncomfortably and being pressed up against the elephant. Being a harsh light, being poor Both leaders of opposing parties, sat on opposites of the elephant, opposite ends of the spectrum. Both wearing the same suits showing all politicians are the same. Both arms crossed showing closed off body language. Socks are their own colours of labour and conservative but ties are the opposite colour showing that under the façade all politicians are the same. Reinforce the image, both illuding to the same thing, clarifies the points made.

I think this really helped me understand things a lot better. Especially breaking things down into this table and then I find explaining my understandings helps me.