In Barthes, From Work to Text, he describes two different levels of meaning between the text and the actual piece of work; literal and concealed. According to Barthes, text cannot be contained into one specific genre; it transcends literature. For example, when reading a work, despite the topic, one can analyze other things such as the creation of culture as an object of study. The text is the principles and the ideas behind the work while the work is concrete. The work can be seen as literal while the text can be interpreted (158). This idea of the work being artificial, while the text is more organic is portrayed in David Shrigley's work. Shrigley creates ironic works of art that force the viewer to search for a deeper message. Although his work may seem very literal and direct, it is only a window through which to view a deeper, more profound message. In Shrigley's work there exists an insight on the various aspects of culture and humanity.
As Barthes said, "the work-in the best of cases-is moderately symbolic; the Text is radically symbolic: a work conceived, perceived and received in its integrally symbolic nature is a text" (158-159). The text lacks closure; it can be interpreted in a variety of ways. When interpreting a work, the viewer must remember to use critical analysis and to process the work instead of just taking it by its appearence. The work may contain metaphors but the text itself conveys an idea through an overall metaphor (158). This notion is also displayed in David Shrigley's work. The viewer can interpret the messages hidden beneath his work however they like.
In From Work To Text Barthes explains because the author is the creator of the work, respect must be given. In order for the world to know of a work's existance, it must be tied to the author. The text, however,is not directly affliated with the author. It is an interweaving of ideas and a collection of thoughts and if the authors name appears in the text it is an a "guest" (161). T he author's work is open to interpretation and in the case of David Shrigley's work, though he may have an intended message; his work is open to the interpretation of the public.
Barthes, Roland. "From Work to Text." Image Music Text. 1977. 155-64.
back to Methodology/Interpretive Project homepage
No comments:
Post a Comment