Key Essay Images.

Essay No. 2

'Choose an iconic image and discuss why and how it has become iconic. This will involve you discussing the history of that image as it has been used, re-used and adapted at different moments and in different places.'

For the second essay I will be writing, I have chosen the question on iconic images. It's probably the most open of all the questions we can choose from, which means I can tailor the essay content to something of my own interest. The image I have chosen to study is the well-known photograph from the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing in 1989. The photograph of one man standing in front of a column of tanks gained iconic status around the globe through international news. A key moment in modern Chinese history, the image stands for political oppression, a fight for democracy and the bravery and courage of human will.

I plan on discussing the history behind the image. The history of Tiananmen Square; the original purpose this square was built for, and brief political history of the leaders and protestors involved and the incidents which started this protest.
Why and how the image is iconic; through the discussion of its connotations, metaphorical meanings, how it summarised the current experiences, it's symbolism of values and concepts, and how it has played a part in public political culture.
I'll also look at other representations of this image. How various artists/illustrators have adapted it accordingly for new situations, whether political or cultural.

Hieronymus Bosch, Christianity and 'The Garden of Earthly Delights.'

Image No. 1

In the autumn term we have to choose an image or man-made object to write 1000 word critical analysis on it. Then we choose a further 7 images/objects in relation to the first image/object to write 500 words of narrative on.

For my first image I have chosen 'The Garden Of Earthly Delights' by the Dutch painter; Hieronymus Bosch. I am interested in writing about this particular painting due to its historical and religious imagery and connotations. At the time it was painted, society was very religion-orientated and Bosch quite literally recreated the superstitions, ideas and religious allegories of the 16th century. I think this religious theme will provide a lot of information to write about, considering analytical interpretations of the painting and comparing the themes with modern day ideas.

It is an old painting from the 1500s yet the theme of religion still holds relevance today.