Final Project, Part 2 (2 of 2)

Question 3:

Often times in pop culture parodies and spoofs of classic or mainstream art can be used to create a specific emotional effect in a viewer. This controversial Esquire cover depicts Muhammad Ali maimed with arrows, posing as a martyr the way St. Sebastian was depicted in artistic representations of his death. Much like the saint, Ali was persecuted for his own religious beliefs by being barred from the boxing ring when he refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army. The historical reference to the death of the saint intensifies the viewer’s empathy with Ali, acknowledging that he, too, has suffered for standing up for what he believes in.

References like this are abundant in graphic art, particularly with pop culture and political references. For example, Obama’s “Hope” logo was extremely popular during the 2008 election for not only its political message, but also for the enormous amount of parodies that came with it.

While some of these images have political messages of their own, others were created simply for comedic value (particularly the Star Wars ones), and serve only to entertain. Using a widespread, highly-recognizable template as a means of communication adds impact to the audience’s reaction to it, regardless of what the artist’s original intent may have been.  

Final Project, Part 2 (1 of 2)

Question 4:

Political imagery often uses implied themes to convey its message. This magazine cover from a 1968 edition of Esquire uses misplaced imagery to undermine the credibility of Richard Nixon, claiming that he didn’t necessarily “look the part.” Designed by George Lois and photographed by Carl Fischer, the cover was the target of much criticism. Lois was contacted by one of Nixon’s staffers, who claimed that his design made Nixon appear feminine (Meggs 398).

This method of advertising has been used time and time again to attack the merit of political figures, and was especially abundant in the 2008 election.

This image of John McCain by Mark Ulrikson on the New Yorker cover displays the same characteristics of personal attack found on the Esquire cover. The image presents McCain as childish and irresponsible, like a schoolboy playing a game of Monopoly, which involves careful investment of funds and investments. Such imagery seeks to suggest how McCain would handle himself if elected into office, and, like the image of Nixon, undermines his character. 

FInal project, Part 1

Here's my Beall poster for Alabama relief. I incorporated Beall's color scheme and patriotic symbolism as the backdrop for the image of the rescue workers, like Beall's work for the Rural Electrification Administration. I used the black-and-white image to contrast with the other solid colors to communicate quickly and clearly.

I posted it HERE, to the Joy of Design Facebook group.