12637 - Semiotics of Art (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has acquired the theoretical and methodological tools for the semiotic analysis of artistic languages; he/she knows the main methodologies of image analysis (with particular attention to the proposal offered by semiotics and art theory); he/she is able to carry out case studies, both on traditional and contemporary visual languages (murals, video-installations,...).

Course contents

This year's course has a twofold objective:

1. To introduce students to semiotic theories and methodologies for the analysis of works of art and, more generally, visual texts. During the first weeks of the course we will work on the relationship between iconology, iconography and semiotics; on the functions of visual enunciation; on the difference between plastic semiotics and figurative semiotics; on semisymbolism; on the relationship between the art work and the observer. The work of art will be considered not only as a "closed" text but always in relation to the physical (think museums) or socio-cultural (a particular historical moment) context of fruition.
2. To reflect on the relationship between spaces, museums, art, and memory. The second part of the course is devoted to the role of art in processes of collective memorialization. Art will be considered not merely as a finished product, but as a practice. That is, the course will examine the relationship between the traumatic event and the forms of its artistic reworking, interrogating the ways in which the experience of trauma is translated, mediated, and made public. From this perspective, particular attention will be given to monuments and counter-monuments as devices of public memory; to acts of protest and artistic interventions in urban space; to museum spaces as sites for the construction and negotiation of remembrance; and to the problem of images of trauma, together with the semiotic questions that their exhibition raises.

Readings/Bibliography

Semiotic theory and methodology:

• Greimas, A.J. 1991. “Semiotica figurativa e semiotica plastica”in Corrain, L. e Valenti, L. (a cura di), Leggere l'opera d'arte. Bologna. Esculapio, pp. 33-51.
• Manchia, Valentina. 2025. Dentro l’immagine. Il primo libro di semiotica visiva. Torino: Einaudi.

Spaces, museums, arts and memory:

• Corrain, L. Una infinita memoria, il ciclo di Constantin Brâncusi a Târgu-Jiu, Firenze, La Casa Usher.
• Panico, M. “Posizionamenti della memoria”, inE/C, 30, pp. 88-96, 2020 (disponibile online).
• Pinotti, A. 2023 Nonumento. Un paradosso della memoria, Johan & Levi, Monza.
• Violi, P. 2014. Paesaggi della memoria, Bompiani, Milano (Chapter VII only, on the Ustica Memorial Museum in Bologna).

 Those not attending the course should also study

• Polidoro, P. 2008, Che cos'è la semiotica visiva?, Rome: Carocci.

For students unfamiliar with semiotic concepts, it is recommended to read at least one of the following texts (to be ideally read before the start of the lectures):

• Marrone, G. (2018 e ristampe), Prima lezione di semiotica, Bari e Roma: Laterza.
• Pozzato, M.P. (2001 e ristampe), Semiotica del testo. Metodi, autori, esempi, Roma: Carocci.

Teaching methods

In addition to classic lectures, the lecturer will alternate more dialogical and seminar-like lessons, during which specific visual texts and works of art will be analysed.
Active participation is required on the part of the students.
Attendance is strongly recommended.

Assessment methods

The course has a written exam, which is organised as follows:
- 2 open questions on the semiotic theory of art
- brief semiotic analysis of a visual text chosen by the lecturer.

The student will take the exam using a PC.

A different exam format is possible for Erasmus students.

People with disabilities and DSA have the right to special adaptations in relation to their condition, following assessment by the University Service for Students with Disabilities and DSA. Please do not contact the lecturer, but contact the Service for an appointment. The Service will determine what adjustments are appropriate. More information on the page:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti

Teaching tools

The lecturer will use visual and audiovisual material during the lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Mario Panico