# Visualizing Semiotics in Generative Adversarial Networks

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.12731 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.12731/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 8 of its 11 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 9 Mar 2023.

## Builds on (most cited first, 8 of 8)

- [Deep Residual Learning for Image Recognition](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1512.03385/) (2015)
- [ImageNet Large Scale Visual Recognition Challenge](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1409.0575/) (2014)
- [A Style-Based Generator Architecture for Generative Adversarial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1812.04948/) (2018)
- [Generative Adversarial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.00667/) (2022)
- [Large Scale GAN Training for High Fidelity Natural Image Synthesis](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1809.11096/) (2018)
- [Unsupervised Representation Learning with Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1511.06434/) (2015)
- [On the "steerability" of generative adversarial networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1907.07171/) (2019)
- [GANalyze: Toward Visual Definitions of Cognitive Image Properties](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1906.10112/) (2019)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We perform a set of experiments to demonstrate that images generated using a Generative Adversarial Network can be modified using 'semiotics.' We show that just as physical attributes such as the hue and saturation of an image can be modified, so too can its non-physical, abstract properties using our method. For example, the design of a flight attendant's uniform may be modified to look more 'alert,' less 'austere,' or more 'practical.' The form of a house can be modified to appear more 'futuristic,' a car more 'friendly' a pair of sneakers, 'evil.' Our method uncovers latent visual iconography associated with the semiotic property of interest, enabling a process of visual form-finding using abstract concepts. Our approach is iterative and allows control over the degree of attribute presence and can be used to aid the design process to yield emergent visual concepts.