Interactions Between Three Levels of Meaning: Abstract, Representation, and Symbolism

    This is an illustration created by Charles Harper from the book, An Illustrated Life, circa 1950. Charles Harper has a very unique style that appears quite evident in his work. He's  been regarded as "a master of Mid-Century Modernism", and has referred to his own work style as "minimal realism". I think that this illustration is a perfect example of all three levels of meaning: Abstract, Representation, and Symbolism. 

Representation:

    One can easily deduce that this is indeed a fish. Its is in-fact a representation of a Rainbow Trout. The image shows visual details such as the shape, form, and colors of a Rainbow Trout. Besides the fact that the image specifically shows what type of trout it is, the image is a representation of a trout, and of all fish. The illustration carries large amounts of visual details. It is a representation which is categorized based on the knowledge and experience of the viewer. Based on my knowledge and experience, the fish is a Rainbow Trout, but to the viewer that doesn't know those details, its is just any other fish.

Abstract:

    The picture is obviously not an exact image of a rainbow trout as if we were to see it with our own two eyes, it is an abstract drawing. When asked about his style, Charles Harper responded:  "When I look at a wildlife or nature subject...I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures. I regard the picture as an ecosystem in which all the elements are interrelated, interdependent, perfectly balanced, without trimming or unutilized parts". The image can be broken down to simple shapes and natural colors, very bare elements. Needless to say, Charles Harper combines these shapes and colors that gives the image a deep artistic and realistic feel. 

Symbolism:

    I believe that this image carries some symbolic references. Taking the whole image into account, and not just the fish, we can see several iconic graphical symbols, from which their form suggests their meaning. The first two parallel in meaning: the net and the fishing hook (fly). Both suggest fishing. The third form is the water underneath the fish. The shapes of the water and the splashes, as well as the different color of the water, light blue vs. white, created by the trout may suggest that the trout is located in a river, turmoil water. The fourth symbol is the fish. The form of the fish clearly depicts the body, fins, and tail of the fish. 

    I believe that based on the examples shown, this image of a Rainbow Trout, illustrated by Charles Harper clearly shows signs of all three levels of meaning: Abstract, Representation, and Symbolism.