visual language: semiotics: object

General Electric Desk Fan. Circa 1950.

General Description: Worn, slightly rusty - yet still functional. Creates a one speed breeze, rather strong - to the point where I can't have it pointed directly at me if placed on my desk.

Audience: People in warm climates before the dawn of central air conditioning. Because it is a "desk" fan, perhaps placed in professional environments, or in areas of work within a domestic setting. Provides relief from summer temperatures. An object used out of necessity, not leisure - but an important one, and perhaps at one time a luxury. This object may conjure up memories of oppressively hot summer days, more so towards an older generation. Despite its utilitarian function, some of us may remember as children using fans as vocal distortion tools, manipulating our words to sound robotic or darth-vader-esque. Though fans may have connotations of domesticity, their high speeds and sharp blades may also have sinister possibilities.