Assignment 4: Self Portraits

A: The photograph of me is just that… it’s a photograph of me standing in my room in Michigan; it doesn’t represent anything other then what I look like. The other image however symbolizes me; I’ve used a variety of images that all symbolize a part of who I am. The photograph of my face shows me in my present place (Michigan) but the other image shows where I am from originally (Vermont and New York). The second image also shows other parts of my past; although I’m a photographer now photography played a large role in my past as well as was hot air ballooning which is something I still enjoy doing.

B: Both of these images show who I am and parts of what makes me who I am.

C: I chose the symbols I did because they make up a lot of who I am. I’m from Vermont which is signified by the welcome sign, I’m also from New York symbolized by the NY welcome sign, I’m a photographer shown by my camera, I’m a farmer which is shown by the picture of my goat, Teddy, I like to read symbolized by a picture of a nook just like mine, I am also interested in hot air ballooning shown by the big balloon in the background photo. Some of the things shown are some of the things I’m passionate about. Other things are just a little glimpse into my background.

D: As far as the photograph of me goes, it could show how I’m a pretty introverted person since the photo was taken with no other people around and in my bedroom. It could also show that I’m not overly concerned about my appearance since I’m bumming around in a hoodie and don’t have much makeup on.

Appropriation in Pop Culture - Assignment 2

This piece, Game Over, was appropriated from Michelangelo's La Pieta. The original meaning of La Pieta was to show the connection and emotion between Christ and his mother. It was a religious symbol.

Game Over has been appropriated by exchanging Mary and Jesus with Princess Peach and Mario of Super Mario Brothers fame. I think the appropriation can be interpreted by saying that the digital world has become like a religion. Instead of worshiping God, people begin to worship worldly objects like video games, movies, and music.

This is a Coca-Cola ad from the early 1900's with the slogan "Thirst Knows No Season":

And this is my appropriation of it:

Icons

In this ad in a 2009 People Magazine, the little white dog is used as the icon. Many of us have seen this little dog on tv commercials and in magazines ads for dog food. When I seem him, or any dog for that matter, I almost always think about my dogs and how happy I am to see them and they are to see me. They seem happy whether I’m there to play with them or just to feed them. Dogs are called “man’s best friend” and for a lot of people bring around a sense of happiness but also responsibility.

The advertiser connects this sense of responsibility and caring for your pet with their product… dog food. You love your dog and want to give him what’s good for him. The advertiser tries to convey the message that their brand of dog food is a way to love your dog and take care of him.

I’m not so sure the ad itself would persuade me to run out and buy a bunch of their food but it might make me think a little more carefully about what I’m feeding my dog.