Representation of Social Critique: The Satirical Flower Wreath from the Student Executive Board of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Airlangga University, to Prabowo and Gibran

Abstract

This article examines how the Student Executive Board (SEB) of Airlangga University's Faculty of Social and Political Sciences utilized flower arrangements as a medium for social and political criticism. Traditionally associated with respect, affection, or condolences, these flowers were transformed into satirical tools, carrying messages aimed at critiquing Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The SEB leveraged the symbolism of flowers to express dissatisfaction with the policies and actions of these political figures. Using Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotics, the study delves into the visual elements of the arrangements, such as text, colors, and designs, blended with satirical humor. These messages were further amplified through social media, allowing them to reach a broader audience and spark public discourse. This strategy showcases the younger generation's creativity inutilizing aesthetic elements to communicate their critiques of pressing social issues. This approach highlights how flowers have evolved from mere decorative items into meaningful tools for conveying sharp criticism symbolically. By transforming flower arrangements in this way, the study demonstrates how art and creativity can be effectively used to draw public attention to political issues, fostering critical thinking and encouraging dialogue about social justice and democracy.

Keywords: Analysis Semiotic, Communication, Wreath, Social Criticism, Student Executive