The Passion of Kanye West

This image of Kanye West and many others similar are becoming more desensitized throughout the progression of time. It is arguable that this front cover (again from the Rolling Stone magazine) is controversial, or an attempt at embracing the diverse cultures which exist in society.

‘The Passion of Kanye West’ anchors the notion that Kanye West is being represented as Jesus. The musical context, in which Kanye is represented in, helps us to make connotations that he is just a successful music producer that is worshipped and idolised by many.

Iconography such as the thorn crown and the blood smeared on Kanye’s face, are classic signifiers of Jesus Christ and hegemonic power. Kanye West is not only successful, but powerful. This man has the power to influence young members of society that are passively absorbing his music and lyrics, proclaiming his values and beliefs.

Cezanne's "Mont Saint Victoire"

Cezanne’s Mont Saint Victore was given as a task to analyse the visual attributes used in the painting. There is a single point perspective and an open frame, which gives focus on the mountains, but awareness of the village and greenery. The rule of thirds can be identified by each of these, horizontally; the upper third is signified by the grey, mundane mountains and the middle is mainly the village leaving the bottom third as the greenery.

Each of these varies in terms of contrasting colours and tones. By use of blue Cezanne creates distance with the sky, as it is a receding colour. The warmth of the vibrant yellow village, allows the dark green to bring forward the trees, creating an intriguing atmosphere.

In terms of shape, Cezanne has used solid blocks such as triangular shapes which form the mountains. The use of geometric shape (including squares and rectangles) formed by straight brushstrokes, allows the painting to become more distinctive. Although the painting is plain in terms of structure, it does create a lot of depth and gives the audience plenty to consider.

Munch's "Skrik"

Edvard Munch’s ‘Skrik’ painting consists of many enigmas. Through research, I have learnt that there are many interpretations of this painting. ‘Skrik’ derives from 1893, and cognates with the English ‘shriek.’

There are many physical attributes to this painting. The brush strokes used to construct the skyline are curvaceous, yet sharp. The blood red Munch uses to construe the ferocity of the sky, is easily distinguished from the blue and black strokes that create a sense of hysteria of the landscape.

The viewer’s eye captures the enigmatic protagonist as it is the main focal point, situated at the centre of the image. This gives connotations of significance to the figure. The ‘shrieking’ figure is stripped of his identity. They have no facial features that distinguish them from the two protagonists further aback of the bridge.

My initial response to this painting was that something dreadful had occurred, in order to turn society in to a state of mass panic.

Kovatchev's "Ajedrez Cósmico III"

Kovatchev’s ‘Cosmic Chess III’ can be interpreted as an innovative portrayal of chess, which appears mythical and enticing. The colours used are bold, such as the contrasting blue and orange of the figure’s hat and the pure white of the doll’s dress. Such stark colours give connotations of fun and excitement.

Chess boards are traditionally small and restricted and there is one set of rules to abide by. However, the use of mythical players/pieces on this chessboard give the impression that what normally would be a fantasy world, Kovatchev has brought to a reality.

The large, female figure dominates the painting. The key, central focal point is her hand, which appears to be manipulating the movement of each protagonist, reinforcing the notion of a fantasy occurring. The use of colour; predominantly blue and brown, creates a calm/tranquil atmosphere, again reinforced by the protagonists and their contempt/satisfied facial expressions. This fresh, innovative perspective on chess in my opinion is wonderful.

American Revolution

This front cover taken from the Rolling Stone magazine in 1969, was one that I used for a Media Histories presentation. The annotation surrounding the image shows how my original analysis developed and triggered various bits of knowledge relating to media theory and historical contexts.

I felt that this issue representing the American Revolution, conveyed both important and controversial messages about American society of the 1960's era.

Various representations, stereotypes and ideologies can be identified from both the image and my deconstruction of the cover, which influenced the audiences’ interpretations both in the past and, in the present.

Carousel Fantasy

This photograph dates back to just before Christmas 2009, when the German market came to Bradford City Centre. Although the market closed early due to lack of business and interest, it still brought happy expressions to the faces of Bradford.

The intensity of the lights was a reminder of the iconography associated with Christmas. The fairy lights, the tinsel and the stars, all the physical attributes that contribute to the meaning of Christmas.

The atmosphere created from the photograph is as Barthes describes as enigmatic. The mise-en-scene contains both very low key lighting, yet very high key lighting. The binary opposites coincide with the concept of reality and imagination. Christmas contains so many myths, yet when we are children, they all seem so real. This photograph reinforces that concept.