Basic conceptual notions in the semiotics analysis of the visual image

Abstract

Contemporary social life takes place among visual images and their reading demands knowledge of citizens and specialized publics, for an adequate attribution of meanings and senses to what they see. The article deals with some conceptual notions that are basic in the semiotic analysis of the visual image. As a result, the information is addressed to those who read visual images in everyday life, as well as artists, critics, researchers, teachers and managers of the visual arts. The research results from the criticism of documentary sources, content analysis and the practice of semiotic analysis of the visual image, and offers definitions and arguments about the conceptual notions that are explained. The theoretical systematization of the aspects provided by the Semiotics of the Visual Arts allowed us to identify fundamental semiotic nuclei, such as the meanings and meanings that carry intentionality, structural semantics and intertextual dialogue with ideologies.