Research: Semiotics

The way people respond to art and imagery is complex.  Images will not necessarily provoke the same response from different people who view it, as the study of semiotics tells us that what is signified (denoted or connoted) from a signifier (the image) depends on a number of factors including the experience of the viewer.  To deal with my main question directly I have been attempting to bring positive change through my own work and projects.  To find answers to a question such as this, it is impossible to merely theorise.  To find out if Art can change things, I have realised that I need to see for myself. There are no short-cuts.