The ideas of the Modernist movement were dedicated in developing equality in every aspect. Within the first chapter of this essay, the Isotype institute is discussed in relation to Modernism and how they intended on creating equality through knowledge and understanding. This is the foundation of this essay, to aid in the pursuit of a universal pictorial language. On one side there is information equality and education, and on the other for safety and guidance.

Within the third chapter it is discussed whether a pictorial language could extend to other planets with hypothetical intelligent life. As humans, we have always presented ourselves through imagery and art, a need to let others know that we exist. This chapter analyses the Voyager Golden Record and it’s attempt in explaining human life to the universe. An extension of humanity and the hope that something understands it.

There is only an infinitesimal chance that the plaque will ever be seen by a single extraterrestrial, but it will certainly be seen by billions of terrestrials. Its real function, therefore, is to appeal to and expand the human spirit,and to make contact with extraterrestrial intelligence a welcome expectation of mankind. (Sagan.C, 1978).

The research conducted in this essay stems from a gradual search for evidence that a universal pictorial language could work, and possible ways that could help develop one. This includes research into historical design movements, existing signs and symbols, and colour association. With examples, chapter two explores the arguments around interpretation and applied meaning with references to Susan Sontag and Roland Barthes. This is in reference to culture and how differences between societies change meanings and associations. The final part of the research g