Question 4

This picture essentially is cultural studies. The picture is quite obviously a pipe, yet the text states, “This is not a pipe.” I believe that the idea this painting is trying to suggest is the connotation of things. The idea of signification is this by definition. Semiotics is the connotation of objects and their connotations. This is not a pipe means that it is not only a pipe, but it is a signifier to other ideas and ideals. These ideals from the pipe include masculinity, class, wealth, and stature, among other things. This association is achieved with constant imaging of people with pipes being in smoking jackets and in big chairs. It is the construct of, not only the pipe, but what kind of Person has the pipe. The painting, semiotics, and cultural studies say that there are larger implications to products and texts. They reference other constructed ideals and thereby reaffirm the association.