A lion skin draped across your shoulders. Wearing a thick curly beard. A naked baby riding a dolphin. Believe it or not, these are all important symbols used in the propaganda of ancient portraiture. Politicians, celebrities, and other public figures have relied on propaganda for centuries. They project a doctored image of themselves that's conducive to their agenda. They tie themselves to particular ideas in order to garner support or fans, and then count on media to spread this idea to the masses. Now, chances are that the common reader won't understand the significance of the aforementioned symbols. What's missing is the knowledge of the image's cultural context.
As an a student of art history, I'm finding it increasingly easy to see the temporary nature of propaganda. When it takes a term-long class to describe the content of statues and coinage, the image loses impact. In a series of photographs, I recreate several ancient portraits replacing significant symbolism with props that have a similar aesthetic, but have no relevance. Here are a few examples of my recreations along with links to explain a bit of the symbolic and historical significance behind the original masterpieces.
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| My favorite Augustan portrait, produced by an anonymous sculptor in the 1st century C.E., was especially painful to reduce to meaningless visual cues. |
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| Also produced by an anonymous sculptor, this bust of an elite Flavian woman makes a clown-like impression in the 21st century rather than the original message of economic success. |
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| We take nudity in ancient statues for granted. However, this work by Praxiteles was the first nude depiction of a goddess and was quite controversial at the time. |
I find it intriguing that you chose to reproduce these images. In the 21st century we are aware of these statues, and their meanings if we took a corse on their history. For these poses to be meaningless today, says something about the progression of humankind and paparazzi.
ReplyDeleteI really think the juxtaposition created between the original work and the modern-day version picture you took is interesting. Having taken both Roman and Hellenistic art, I understand the context of these works and what their propagandistic qualities mean, but their meaninglessness in today's world is still very evident. It's interesting also too how seeing these statues portrayed in color and by living people alters them, and gives a very different feel than that created by the original marble. I think your concept is really cool, and the contrast between the original pieces and your photos brings up some interesting questions.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a wonderful job recreating the ancient portraits using modern human beings and modern objects. The fact that you know the details of the information of the original portraits make the pieces even more intriguing to look at and compare to the modern recreation. I think you took advantage of your art history major knowledge really well in this project.
ReplyDeleteI am not only fascinated, but also impressed by how much effort you put into this final project! I cannot even imagine how long it must have taken you to conduct your research, choose your models, design their outfit and finally perhaps take a million (too many?) shoots to get the perfect photo! Nonetheless, I am very excited to see your whole project, with the presentation tomorrow! Very well done :)
ReplyDeleteThe juxtapositions bring up so many issues such as will your digital images last as long as the originals carved in stone? Your casting, lighting and attention to detail in directing your "models" resulting in a thought provoking body of work!
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