Analysis of Plastic Communication: "The Shooting of the Moncloa" and "Guernica."

The analysis of plastic communication is described, based on a method consisting of three parts: (1) lecture & metaliguistic analysis, which involve the translation of complex, referential signs & symbols into logical, conventional signs & symbols; (2) phenomenology of the emitter, using the general systems theory to deduce the intention of the emitter; & (3) distribution analysis used to decipher the connotations of the signs & symbols. Two examples of artistic expression are analyzed, including Los Fusilamientos de la Moncloa, (Goya, 1808) & the Guernica (Picasso, 1937). Such factors as light, color, & composition are taken into account along with such characteristics as human, nonhuman, humanoid, masculine, nonmasculine, living, nonliving, animal, & nonanimal. First, each area of the painting is evaluated according to these variables. Secondly, the phenomenological analysis is carried out according to the four different levels: (A) synesthetic, (B) free association, (C) emotive, & (D) ideological. Several pictures are presented & analyzed according to this method. M. K. Razo.