Assignment #2: Visual Rhetorical Analysis

Amanda Gridley

A.R. Mallory

English 250

February 16, 2014

Visual Rhetorical Analysis in my Career Field

Rhetorical analysis is taking a closer look at the deep meaning of anything that has been created; this could be written, visual, or a verbal discussion. Taking a deep look into something can reveal its true meaning as well as meanings that are hidden by the creator. Both of which communicate a message to their intended audience. Almost anything can be analyzed rhetorically, including artwork. The Figure in the image below caught my eye, because it is related to my career field. Like all artwork, it can be easily analyzed by the people to whom are the intended audience to reveal the message it expresses.

The artwork is of two human figures sitting across from each other, one presumably representing a patient and the other being an optometrist. The patient sits in a comfortable chair, complete with arm rests and an extended leg rest. The human figure sits comfortably and looks into a small machine that hangs at eye level in-front of him. The second human figure, presumably the doctor, sits across from the patient figure on a small wheeled stool, adjusting the machinery. The two figures are attached at the feet, and sit so close they almost bump knees. The entire figurine is constructed out of metal that resemble small parts like nails, screws, and bolts, and has a shinny appearance with smooth, sanded down edges. Most of us have been to one eye clinic or another, and after looking at this art piece, recognize it as just another routine check up in freeze-frame. 

The whole idea of artwork is to either appreciate and interpret the meaning the artist intended, or for the audience to give the piece its own meaning, based on what he/she can relate it too. This is rhetorical analysis; finding the underlining meaning of the piece. Because the art-piece above relates to my future career, I found it interesting and fun to break down the little components of the sculpture to try and figure out what message the artist was tying to express through his work. The idea of using parts like nails, screws, and bolts could represent what goes on in the optometrist’s head while he or she works, like the metaphorical “gears-turning” expression used when something is thinking. Also, the difference in chair style sets a theme of who’s in charge. Over-all, however, I believe the main idea or message of the entire figurine is to show the relationship of a patient and his/her doctor. The closeness of the two figurines and patient’s comfortable demeanor both prove this point.

While a lot of people can easily understand what is going on in the sculpture through their personal experiences of going to an eye doctor, not all of these people fully appreciate what this piece actually communicates. The sculpture itself is is dull and not particularly eye catching. It shows a commonly understood scene and doesn’t have any features that are so unique, you be disappointed if you missed out on. In fact, I would bet most people would walk right by this piece without further observation if it was displayed in a museum. Art is only interesting if you are interested in the art. Because of this, I believe the intended audience is only the selected few of whom are optometrists, or those who have an interest in the actions in which optometrists do. These are the people who express interest in the field of study, and therefor are willing to take the time to study the piece, out of interest, to better understand the meaning behind it. I feel like with this group of intended audience, the argument that there is a close relationship between a patient and his/her doctor is very effective, and that through rhetorical analysis anyone interested should be able to understand and appreciate this piece for what it is.

Rhetorical analysis happens everyday, even if you don’t notice you are doing it.  After rhetorical analyzing the small metal art piece, I was able to determine the representation of the different aspects of the piece, and from there, was able to figure out who the intended audience was. I believe this piece does a very effective job at portraying it’s point to its audience, and I hope to see more like it.