Week 2 Homework

Representational Level:This digital design photo of an SF Muni train is representational of both SF Muni and the overall presence of public municipal transportation that is available in San Francisco. The train in the photo can be representational of any of the various train cars that run around the city and also displays the many numerous people that can utilize the train for transportation. This photo is representational because it is easily recognized due to experience and environment of those that live in San Francisco. Although this is not an actual photo of the trains that are present in San Francisco, this conceptual digital picture can be categorized as a form of designed visual information. This picture also relates to the viewers visual perception of the street cars, the busy SF streets, the bus stops, and the traffic; clearly representing the presence of SF Muni in San Francisco. This picture should be clear to anyone that attends SFSU that it is representational of the trains and trolleys that help usher numerous people around the city as a form of public transportation.

Abstract Level:
This is an abstract piece of artwork that is on display at the Suzuka International Racing Course in Ino, Japan. It is basically a rendition of the track layout, fabricated in titanium piping that has been bent and heat treated for a burnt titanium finish. This abstract design is based off of a representation of the physical track and is derived from the turns and twists of the overhead layout that is commonly utilized by drivers and fans to denote the track and how the circuit is laid out. This artwork communicates to the viewer because not only is it an abstract representation of the racing circuit, but it incorporates different types of material and manufacturing processes to visually complement those who are amongst its presence. Since this art is on display at an international race track, many of those in attendance would be avid racing fans. Titanium plays a huge role in the world of automotive racing as it is utilized throughout the profession as a material that is lightweight, yet strong. The burnt titanium finish is also representative of the beauty that can commonly be seen on race cars (exhaust manifolds, piping, heat shields, ducting, etc.).

Symbolic Level:

The Yin Yang represents a clear example of a symbolic visual message that can be interpreted all around the world. This symbol denotes the notion of balance and reciprocation and of how these two ideals can help a person to maintain stability in their lives. The two portions of the symbol represent Yin and Yang, two opposing forces that, according to Chinese culture, can only exist with the other. The shape of the symbol is rounded, representing the belief that in order for one force to rise, the other must fall, and so forth, in a recirculating pattern. The dot at the head of both sections are representative of the idea that both Yin and Yang can also coexist within one another. The overall design of the Yin Yang shows balance and everlasting reciprocation in its flowing characteristics and contrasting, but equal, colored sections.