A Semantic and Formal Analysis in the Context of Visual Communication Design: The Example of the “Three-Legged Cat” from the 18th Istanbul Biennial
Öz
The Purpose of the Study: This study aims to examine the visual communication design system developed within the scope of the 18th Istanbul Biennial, themed “Three-Legged Cat,” to analyze how this system is implemented across different media, and to reveal the connections between the resulting formal and semantic relationships and the biennial's conceptual framework.
Theoretical Framework: This study's conceptual framework is grounded in a semiotic approach that examines the meaning-making processes of visual signs. Accordingly, Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis model has served as the basis. In addition, the functioning of certain design elements on the surface that play a role in the formation of meaning in visual communication design has also been examined within a theoretical framework.
Method: This study utilized a qualitative research method. In this study, the visual communication design works for the 18th Istanbul Biennial were selected using a purposive sampling method. The printed materials, social media posts, motion graphics, and advertising/promotional films produced for the Biennial have been examined using Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis.
Findings: The research reveals a formal and conceptual continuity across the printed materials, social media posts, motion graphics, and advertising/promotional films of the 18th Istanbul Biennial. Furthermore, this continuity creates a visual language consistent with the biennial's conceptual theme. However, it is observed that the visual arrangements across different media repeat in line with similar design approaches, thereby establishing a meaningful relationship with the biennale's conceptual framework.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the visual communication system for the 18th Istanbul Biennial maintains a consistent structure across different media. The repetitive use of visual design elements across the various applications that make up the composition reveals that the biennale theme gains visibility within a consistent, integrated structure. This demonstrates that the biennale's visual communication system functions as a communication structure that is conceptually related, activates the visitor, and shows continuity across media.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Kaynakça
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- BARTHES, R. (1979). Göstergebilim ilkeleri (B. Vardar, M. Rıfat, Çev.). Ankara: Kültür Bakanlığı Yayınları.
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Görsel İletişim Tasarımı (Diğer)
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yazarlar
Berna Kılıçoğlu
*
0000-0002-2047-1657
Türkiye
Yayımlanma Tarihi
30 Haziran 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
13 Mart 2026
Kabul Tarihi
11 Haziran 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 6 Sayı: 1