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IVT105/

Understanding the Visual Structure of Denotative and Connotative:

Transparent vs. Opaque Expression

In our Kendall Buster reading we were introduced to a number of important distinctions that we will now apply by creating images. First let’s review the terms:

Denotative meaning is the direct, literal (un-interpretive) meaning thus is often more factual and informational.

Connotative meaning on the other hand is that which is suggested or implied by thing, image, or word. Because it has to do with associations and inference, it often is subject to or arises from interpretation (not factual).

Transparent expression is when the means of communication (which in visual art is its form and medium) is handled in a way that it doesn’t call attention to itself and we are left to attend directly to what it depicts, not how it depicts (‘form is an invisible carrier of meaning’.) Thus, as Buster points out, transparent language or form is a good way to achieve denotative meaning (one uses clear and direct language when giving a doctor information)

Opaque expression is the opposite of transparent expression. Instead of being clear and direct, it calls attention to itself (we get caught up in the form itself and thus don’t seeing through it.) Buster likens opaque handling of visual form to poetic language; the way the words are structured (not just what they say but how they say it) becomes part of the expressive meaning of a poem. Likewise in a visual image, the foregrounding of formal qualities tends to add meaning beyond literal subject matter thus making opaque expression key to achieving connotative (interpretive) expression.

The goal of this studio assignment is to understand how to handle various visual form aspects of an image in such a way as to promote transparent or opaque expression. Note, this exercise is meant to focus on how form, not subject matter, creates denotative and connotative expression. Thus, my visual examples have only one subject matter (stop sign) and likewise, your assignment charges you with using a single object for both photos. Changes in the visual form of a photograph might include changes in the following:

· cropping/framing · composition · lens distortion · camera angle · point of view

· natural lighting · exposure · focus (depth of field) · focus (shutter speed/motion) · color

Preparatory Exercises

First we’ll look and discuss comparative images that share the same subject matter but whose visual attributes change as a way of understanding the visual structure of denotative and connotative images (see denote_connote.pdf in BlBk lecture folder) Then, working in teams, everyone will get a chance to test and explore some of these notions by taking pictures in and around Montgomery Hall.

Weekend Assignment: Create Two Photographs

Select a single subject and create one photograph that is denotative achieved by a “transparent” use of form and one that is connotative achieved by an “opaque” use of form. You must not change subject matter and try to FOCUS ON VISUAL CHANGES NOT NARRATIVE ONES (see examples that follow). You may not alter your images outside the camera but you may use a full range of photographic options (refer to the list above). Be aware of the natural lighting context, if it doesn’t suit your intentions then don’t choose it as the focus of your image or create your picture when light conditions suit your goals. I recommend that you take many photos, look at them and judge which you think best achieve the two states. Then submit your best or even better, go back out and take a couple more images that capitalize on your review.

Write about your findings

Write a 2-page reflection on your experience (illustrated by embedding your two images) specifically addressing the following:

• Name the specific things you did in each photo to make them denotative/ connotative both in terms of form (things like framing, lighting, camera angle, exposure, focus, etc.) and in terms of narrative (images and scenic context)

• If connotative meaning is the additional meaning that goes beyond the literal, what new meanings arise in your connotative image and explain why they occurred (be as specific as possible)

· What did you learn about the nature of denotative and connotative images by completing this exercise? What might you have done differently to advance your intentions?

Submit:

Email me your two images labeled yourlastname_connotative.jpg and yourlastname_denotative.jpg.

AND

Submit the writing part of the assignment prefaced by this assignment page and embedded images of your two photos) as a printed hardcopy for inclusion in your notebooks.