Barbara Kruger’s work is not usually the type of work that draws my eye. I think she focuses most on stereotypes and social norms. While these are so true and I can appreciate the irony within her pieces, it is not my normal forte to expose such stereotypes. I know they exist, same as everyone else, I just do not feel the strong desire to point them out.
I do, however, feel like these stereotypes make for interesting pieces of work. I think she effectively reveals the ironies and social stigmas, which face our society. For example, the image of the woman pinned to a wall is such a strong piece about a woman’s place in society. This is one of the most time-old stereotypes that our society is still trying to break free of today. Her piece is so moving, unlike the woman pinned to the wall, who is frozen because she has not been permitted to move. This piece is one of my favorites of the pieces from the articles that I saw.
The other piece that really spoke to me was the image of the sign that says, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” Religion is a highly debated topic in the world, and probably always will be. Regardless of what religion a person claims to worship or where you are from, there are some people who see every religion as a stereotype. Whether you look at religions as separate or as the topic religion in general, a certain stereotype exists. Many people worship religion because is what they grew up with. This piece really makes you think about why you worship that religion and what you actually believe in. I think her pieces in general really make you think about our society and the stereotypes that exist within it.
I also really enjoyed when she quoted "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." This may be because I was raised atheist but I interpreted it as an almost conflict behind the truth of god. Having never having any sort of religious relationship to god or any other religious type figure, I always find it interesting when people do have a true devotion to their religion. Her quote reminded me of how it is hard for some who isn't religious to argue some sort of "universal truth" about religion with someone who is religious. It doesn't mean either side is correct but it is really hard to dispute something when people have such polar opposite but deep set beliefs and values.
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