Barbara Kruger’s use of “ordinary” images combined with blunt, sarcastic phrases of social commentary makes her work especially powerful in conveying a message. By using first and second-person pronouns, such as “I,” “you,” and “we,” she draws her audience in and makes their experience intensely personal. She uses these intentionally so that each viewer takes in the image and puts his or her own personal meaning on it (Barrett 99). Kruger takes social norms and flips them on their heads. By using a bold, red font on a black-and white photo, she forces the viewer to focus on the message. Kruger encourages her audience to move beyond the passivity of accepting social norms. (Linker 28)
For example, in Kruger’s piece “I Shop Therefore I am,” you see a black and white photograph of a hand with a bright, red box placed in the center of frame, which reads, “I shop therefore I am.” This play on Rene Descartes’ philosophical, “I think, therefore I am, ” points out Western culture’s obsession with material wealth. “I shop” and “I am” are on two separate lines and written in especially large font. This gives the viewer a feeling of urgency, as if the word “therefore” is not important. The accidental omission of this word makes the piece even more powerful, as it puts more emphasis on the other words. “I shop. I am.” conveys a semi-robotic tone, which may reference the idea that as the world becomes more material, people lose their individuality, making them lifeless.
The image I chose is by Kruger and reads “77% of anti-abortion leaders are men. 100% of them will never be pregnant.” The way Kruger points out this obvious statement is sarcastic, yet effective.
I really enjoy the Kruger picture that you chose. I agree with you in that it is extremely sarcastic but certainly gets the point across. I think it is a very bold statement that, when presented, puts people on edge. The completely agree with what the picture is saying and I hope it is used to evoke thought outside of the conventional format.
ReplyDeleteI love how Kruger uses "matter of fact" statements to convey her message. I think it is interesting how in this particular photo she does not use pronouns, yet it is still powerful. It was pretty gutsy of her to say this about such a controversial topic.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the Barbara Kruger image that you posted with this blog. Without stepping too much into a debate about abortion, I do think it is important to remember that it is the woman who is pregnant and that shouldn't be taken lightly. Kruger delivers her point quickly and intelligently to make a great impact on her audience.
ReplyDeleteIt is also a matter of fact that a.) out of the 9 Americans actually allowed to vote on Roe v Wade and its companion decision, Doe v Bolton, ALL of them were MEN. b.) The majority of people killed by induced abortion are female; over half of the little preborn girls, and all of the post-abortive mothers who die from 'safe&legal' abortion complications.
ReplyDeleteIt is also a matter of fact that a.) out of the 9 Americans actually allowed to vote on Roe v Wade and its companion decision, Doe v Bolton, ALL of them were MEN. b.) The majority of people killed by induced abortion are female; over half of the little preborn girls, and all of the post-abortive mothers who die from 'safe&legal' abortion complications.
ReplyDelete