This essay will focus on an analysis of Damien Hirst's sculpture, from the exhibition "Freeze", entitled "This Little Pig Went to the Market, This Little Piggy Came Home." This analysis will use Barnard's definition of denotative meaning and how formal elements contribute to the connotative function of the work. Barnard (intext) defines denotation as the literal nature and explanation of what the image contains. In this case, Damien Hirst's sculpture (figure 1) constitutes two sides of a pig, cut in half and placed in a translucent glass tank filled with formaldehyde. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the sculpture is more detailed with a white painted stainless steel frame and a painted steel motorized base. On the other hand, connotation is the second order of signification or sense. Barnard (intext) describes connotative meaning as the way an image makes someone feel or think, it can also be the associations the viewer makes with that image. Damien Hirst uses formal elements to contribute to this connotative function of the sculptural piece. He does this by using the formal elements to emphasize the main subject of the installation, namely the pig, thereby enhancing the shock value of the sculpture and using it as a catalyst for public controversy and a form of social commentary. . This function is evident in the sculpture. perfect, uniform geometric lines created by the linear arrangement of the inorganic shaped tank. This structural and repetitive use of cladding is reflected in the clean, scientific dimensions of the tank and the white frame that surrounds it. In contrast, the lining of the pig itself is very natural and is emphasized by the j...... middle of paper ......an innocent childish nursery rhyme as the title to such a harsh installation piece, only further enhances the shock value of the work and highlights the fact that humans have become incapable of coping with death. To further support this argument, the clear glass casing creates a literal gap between the viewer and the carcass, demonstrating just how far humans have moved away from death. . This is evident in the distance that commercial jokes such as packaged meat have placed between our lives and the realities of slaughtering animals in slaughterhouses. This is why this brief analysis of Damien Hirst's sculpture, from the exhibition "Freeze", entitled "This little pig went to the market, this little pig went home. Using Barnard's definition of denotative meaning and how formal elements contribute to the connotative function of the work.