Blog #5

Arnheim believes that images are not just limited to pictures or photos. He insists on the division of images' representations into three main forms of categories, which are symbols, pictures, and signs. By representations, he means that images can act differently depending on the context they are bearing. A good example to illustrate Arnheim's understanding would be the logo of our school, WSU Cougar, since it contains the three main forms of images' representations based upon his theory.

http://www.sealclubbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/washington_state_cougars_80290.jpg

It is commonly known as a symbol that represents our university, Washington State. However, it is actually more than just a symbol. It can also act as a picture and a sign. If we take a look more closely, we would be able to see that it is in fact, a series of 3 alphabets, W, S, and U. Apparently, those 3 alphabets stand for Washington State University. The inventors of this image must be very creative since they managed to manipulate 3 alphabets into a shape of a Cougar, a type of tiger; in which it is a symbol. The Cougs image has been widely accepted by society and regarded highly as the representation of WSU. Examples for that are the use of crimson color in almost majority of features in the university such as buildings (using bricks), sweatshirts and T-shirts, books and binders, so forth. Basically, just by looking at the image, people who have already known a bit about WSU would easily recognize that image for it symbolizes Washington State University. They could recognize it because it acts as a symbol in their mind; automatically reminding them to the nuance of the university, the redness of everything and the spirit of Cougar fans, etc

Meanwhile it can also perform as a sign due to its visibly vivid look and characteristics. The Cougs image has an intense aura which radiates. I bet almost everyone (the majority of people) would instantly get the idea of how active, wild, extreme, and fun the institution is. The widely-open mouth of the Cougar and its crimson color (looks like blood) also express the spirit, courage, toughness, and power of the fearless students who attend WSU. Even the letters composing the word are signs, too. Another important thing that can't be missed is that the image is a picture as well. Arnheim states, "Images are pictures to the extent to which they portray things located at a lower level of abstractness than they are themselves". Indeed, that famous image of our school comes in different, random levels of perfection. Therefore, it results in different perceptions in everyone's mind, depending upon the level of catchiness of remembrance that some people acquire. In fact, almost all images are pictures since they contain different level of abstractness. Concluding the discussion, it is absolutely wrong to regard that Cougs image as a mere logo of Washington State University.


Arnheim, Rudolph. "Pictures, Symbols, and Signs." Visual Rhetoric in a Digital World.: pg. 137-151