Art, Advertisement & Propaganda - Short Response
In order to prepare for our next unit, which will explore ideas of art, advertisement, and propaganda in depth, each student must write a short response to one of the following popular culture images. Be prepared to discuss this in class.
Main Discussion Question: Aside from the obvious (e.g. "this is a picture of Donald Trump sitting on a chair"), what is this image trying to say?
Points to consider
Consider all the above questions, and make note of anything that stands out to you. Try to formulate an idea of what the image is trying to tell you, make you feel, or make you believe. Do you think the photographer or magazine supports or doesn't support this person? This is an opinion-based assignment, there are no wrong answers! Write at least 5 sentences (you can write it in list form) and be prepared to discuss your ideas in class. This assignment will be a participation grade.
Main Discussion Question: Aside from the obvious (e.g. "this is a picture of Donald Trump sitting on a chair"), what is this image trying to say?
Points to consider
- Lighting (Where is the light shining? Where are the shadows? Is it bright or dark? Why?)
- Relationship of subject and viewer (Are they above the viewer, below the viewer, or at eye level? What does this communicate?)
- Facial expression and eye contact (What does their facial expression say? Are they making eye contact with the viewer? Try covering up parts of the face to see the expression of just the eyes and just the mouth.)
- Pose (What pose is the subject in? What does that pose communicate? Does it remind you of anything?)
- Color (What's the overall color scheme? Have the colors been manipulated? Were they chosen to evoke certain emotions?)
- Editing/Airbrushing (Can you tell if any editing has been done? Does the subject look older, younger, or the same as they do in other images?)
Consider all the above questions, and make note of anything that stands out to you. Try to formulate an idea of what the image is trying to tell you, make you feel, or make you believe. Do you think the photographer or magazine supports or doesn't support this person? This is an opinion-based assignment, there are no wrong answers! Write at least 5 sentences (you can write it in list form) and be prepared to discuss your ideas in class. This assignment will be a participation grade.