Information Withheld

Information Withheld is a complex investigation of signs and symbols in Western culture Applying linguistic semiotic and iconographic analysis as systems of interpretation Downey decodes signs from everyday traffic signals to Michelangelos paintings drawing on Leo Steinbergs statement that the sign simple unambiguous and universally understood contrasts with arts essential premise of information withheld Using electronic imaging techniques to create metaphorical meaning he draws parallels between ancient icons and hieroglyphs and contemporary signs and symbols Downey interweaves subjective associations with intellectual analysis A trip to the barbershop recalls a personal childhood trauma which in turn alludes to the semiotic origin blood and bandages of the redandwhite barber pole In another typically ironic chain of cultural associations he juxtaposes images of Egyptian nomads with a fashion show inspired by nomadic motifs