Daydream
A beautiful view, a rock, a girl, and a laptop are seen at a glance, most likely in a different order for each viewer. This image may bring up multiple questions about its validity and message based on how the observer interprets it.
In this picture, I am sitting on top of a rock, looking out at the water that separates the mainland from an island, Magnetic Island, off of the coast of Queensland, Australia. This picture can be interpreted in various ways. The literal meaning of this image, in terms of Roland Barthes' analysis of images, is that I am on top of a rock,...
Helping hands
The quote “picture is worth a thousand words,” represents the idea that a single image can convey different messages to different people. An image described by Roland Barthes is the “Rhetoric of the Image” or several individual parts comprising a whole. Each picture in this image creates one single story. In an image all the different parts that is displayed come together to create a single message. Even a short message that is meant for a small purpose can regain its image after it is interpreted by others. These interpretations are influenced by Barthes three messages of an image,...
The Future of Technology
Hands are distinctly human – no other creature has features that closely resemble them. Used in this image they represent power, control, authority and care. They are meant to infer that the future of technology, and that of the world to some degree, is up to us. Humankind has the potential to make a huge impact on the planet. In fact we have in a sense been doing so since the beginning of our species. We are always trying to shape the earth as we see fit. We invent new machines which help us understand and master the natural world. New technologies have paved the way for much great...
What is in my mind
I'm a big Caps fan and as one I have a very strong dislike for the Pens. So in my twisted little world this how a game between the Caps and Pens would play. Slapshot would royally bring the pain and take a spear to the gut of a penguin in front of the entire Pens bench. The best way I could possibly describe this image is that it represents the rivalry between the two teams that has become much more aggressive in recent years. The games are more intense with fans being more vocal in these games then in others. I can speak on such matters with personal experience, a Capitals vs....
Pop Icons
This image brings together three of the greatest pop icons in history: Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Lady Gaga. The first is Elvis Presley, the ‘King of Rock and Roll’. Elvis’ charisma, bold style and attitude, and numerous hit records made him one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The second is Michael Jackson, the ‘King of Pop’. Michael Jackson was a groundbreaking artist from childhood through to his adult years. He broke new ground in music, dance, and entertainment as a whole. The last icon is Lady GaGa, an impressive new force in pop music with radical...
The NEW Buzz in LA
With regards to my blog spot I created “The Buzz" based on my love of sports that I have had since a young age and that effects just about everything I do from the types of movies I watch to what school I attend. Its general purpose is to keep people informed and updated about happenings in the sports world, specifically basketball this time of year. Sports have become ubiquitous in today's society and it is impossible to pick up a magazine or newspaper without seeing pages dedicated to sports. People often dismiss sports as not important when there is so much going on in the world today,...
Coming Together as One
Every image can be perceived differently in many different ways. One’s personality, background, how easily influenced they are, or simply what they like/dislike can affect the way they perceive an image. Each component of this image has a different meaning which adds up to the concept of each individual sacrificing themselves and putting their entire heart into the something that is bigger than anyone on the outside could ever understand.
The “big picture” is a lone basketball found in an empty gym with banners on the walls and an American flag hanging in the background. For an...
“Our Mother Earth”
On their own, pictures can undoubtedly be meaningful. But the combined effect of certain images, if used properly, can have an infinitely more powerful effect. This particular image is iconic of Roland Barthes’s notion (portrayed in Rhetoric of the Image) of several individual parts comprising a whole. Although each picture here tells a story, the image as a whole is worth more than the sum of its parts.
It is no secret that environmental issues are a growing global concern. Barely a day goes by when some new ecological catastrophe doesn’t make the front page. With all...
Do you know why you Relay?
The bad times will pass if I don’t blow them up into tragedies. The Al-Anon daily reminder handbook gives this as one day’s snippet of wisdom. Ever since a close friend of mine shared it with me, this quotation has resonated within my mind. While I struggle with something other than alcoholism in my family, my family did experience loss at the hands of cancer. I wanted to keep my collage for this assignment simple; I wanted to do as we discussed in class and let the image speak for itself. If you read my blog, you know that I lost my father to cancer. This...
Tahrir Freedom
Images are powerful because they are flexible. An image can speak across barriers of language, culture, and time. More importantly, images send complex messages. Their meaning can be multifaceted, can apply to multiple situations. Even an image crafted for a highly specific purpose can maintain its relevance long after the event it referenced is over. Guernica can still horrify, can still ignite feelings of shame over man’s inability to have empathy for his fellows. The image of the tank man, standing against oppression, has power outside of China. Roland Barthes’ essay “Rhetoric of...