Semiotic Theory

Semiotics is the theory of the production and interpretation of meaning. It's basic principle is that meaning is made by the deployment of acts and objects which function as "signs" in relation to other signs. Systems of signs are constituted by the complex meaning-relations that can exist between one sign and another, primarily relations of contrast and super ordination/subordination (e.g. class/member, whole/part). Signs are deployed in space and time to produce "texts", whose meanings are construed by the mutually contextualizing relations among their signs.

There are two major traditions in European semiotics: F. de Saussure, semiology; and C.S. Peirce, semiotics. Saussure's approach was a generalization of formal, structuralist linguistics; Peirce's was an extension of reasoning and logic in the natural sciences. 

Parody s and Pastiche

At the beginning of this lesson I was told that I will have to research two styles of post-modern media that I had not been taught yet in the course. I was handed an envelope containing the two post-modern style that I had to research, these were Parody's and Pastiche. Pastiche to me was a respectful imitation of somebody else's writing or music. "Parody" implies making fun of something. 

Pastiche is a new word for me, but that's how I understand the difference: pastiche was a friendly tribute kind of imitation and parody was somewhere on the negative continuum, somewhere from gently teasing to out and out insulting.

Chris Cunningham

Chris Cunningham is an English music video film director and video artist, he was born in  Reading, Berkshire in 1970 and grew up in Lakenheath, Suffolk. Cunningham often works with the same types of artist and his work is very recognizable as he uses the same style throughout his videos, breaking the limitations of traditional music videos. Chris Cunningham made his directorial debut in 1997 with the music video for "Come to Daddy" by Aphex Twin, which was instantly praised, banned, and raved about by many people in the business. He followed up by making the music video for "Windowlicker" by Aphex Twin, and the astounding "All is Full of Love" video by Björk. Recently, he made his short-film debut, "Flex,". His incredible style alone makes him a director to watch out for in later years.