Semiotics and Representation

Semiotics is a study of signs and how we read them. Every aspect of representaion has some significance, it is a sign. The Signified is a mental concept, the actual thing itself (before the signifier). The Signifier is the verbal manifestation and the sequence of letters or sounds (the written realisation).  The combination of the signifier and signified = A Sign.

In photography and art, signs are generally ionic. This means that they look like the thing they represent and are therefore more universally understood. Each element has significance and needs to be identified.
  
Rhianna is wearing white here and in front of a white background which can show purity and innocence. However this is contradicted by her having her middle finger up and positioned in/on her mouth which can be seen as seductive. Her hair covering half her face can also connate that she is hiding half of her personality from the audience like there is a different side to her.