My Reflection on article 'The Semiotics of Wristwatches' by Douglas Freake

1. Freake argues that the symbolic uses of a wristwatch ‘may be as important as its supposed material utility’. Describe an item in your wardrobe that you value because of what it means to you emotionally or symbolically, rather than its practical use. Explain what this object means to you and why.

I have a T-Shirt that I printed myself. It has my friend’s designs of bees. We were going to private art lessons together and we did this with our teacher and everyone in the group. We all have some king of garment with same bees. We all were going to those lessons to prepare our portfolios for almost 2 years, so we became as family. When we made the T-Shirts we started calling our group Behive. So I still have that T-Shirt just as a reminder of those times, but I don’t wear it that often because I’m afraid that the ink will wash off and fade away.

2. According to Roland Barthes, what can no object escape once it has been ‘acknowledged by human beings’ ?

Cultural connotation.

3. Briefly explain, in your own words, what you think semiotic analysis means.

It analysis sings and symbols in the world and society, and looks deeper into their use, interpretation, meanings to different people, challenges stereotypical meanings.

4. Find an advert for a wristwatch. Explain how you think the visual presentation of that advert conveys the symbolic meaning of that brand of wristwatch.

I believe this advert translates the stereotypical meaning, that the time is money, and maybe even tries to show that the rich and famous people (like Leonardo DiCaprio in the advert) somehow would have ‘more time’ with that watch, or maybe it can make you as successful as he is. It is trying to sell idea that you will control time with this watch.