Augmenting the agency of marginalised members of society within the semiotic authority of narrative form.

Abstract This practice-based research investigates the effects of the semiotic authority that underlies the symbols and stories of a dominant culture. This research investigates the effects of the everyday mythologised body of ‘reality’ that arguably manifests itself in situations of symbolic abuse (referring to Barthes’ ideological abuse. Barthes, 1957: 10), and explores the abusive nature of that which resides in what-goes-without-saying (Barthes, 1957: 10). The project investigates the more commonplace manifestations of semiotic authority such as mundane behavioural protocols, societal norms and stereotypes. It considers the effects of these on the agency of members of society. This study offers the hypothesis: If the social phenomenon of symbolic abuse manifests itself within quotidian life through the environment of the semiotic authority of narrative form, then the input of both the artist and the viewer can augment the agency of marginalised members of society by developing an epistemic engagement around the subject of symbolic abuse. The research locates, deconstructs and analyses the symbolic abuse portrayed through the visual practice and case studies presented. Barthes’ semiotic analysis is applied, as are Butler's performativity theory and Bakhtin’s theory of Carnival in order to examine the semiotic authority of the dominant culture. The findings suggest that art practices such as those presented provide an environment for reflection upon the mundane ritualised objectification found within stereotypical acts. Art can provide a discursive platform that addresses symbolic abuse and increases awareness of the subject. A visual practice that reflects upon the dominant culture from the perspective of marginalised members of society has the potential to generate alternative meaning-making that destabilises the meta-narrative authority of the dominant culture.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

mres

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Stenina, Anna

• B Athroniaeth (Cyffredinol)
• H Gwyddorau Cymdeithasol (Cyffredinol)
• NX Celfyddydau yn gyffredinol

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:1133