Free Comment

Contributors: Diego Girgado, Ryan Mancini, and Kiersten Davis

[diegoryankiersten]

Interactive Infographics and Word Clouds

Word Cloud: 

Sam Smith’s song entitled “Not in That Way” is represented by this word cloud I created. The message of the song is loving someone who will never love you in that way. A Word Cloud is designed to highlight the messages and means of the words represented. The biggest words are the words that are most used words in the song. This also shows how significant these words pay into the meaning of the song. Before listening to the song someone can understand the mood, message, and intention of the song based on the words shown above. I chose a serif typeface to help connect all the words together. I also changed the color scheme to have dark warm and cold colors to connect the inner turmoil Sam Smith is feeling through the words he is using in his song.

By Diego Girgado

Lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/samsmith/notinthatway.html

The above word cloud entails Carl Sagan's dialogue of Earth from the interstellar perspective of the image titled "The Pale Blue Dot," referenced in his book of the same name. Repetitiously, he makes use of the word "every" to encapsulate several aspects of human history within the context of Earth's minuscule place in the cosmos. It captures not only humanity's insignificance in comparison to the size of everything else beyond Earth, but also how we are unique; we exist on a planet that is known to have intelligent life, and we can make comprehensive conclusions about how the cosmos works.

By Ryan Mancini

Link: http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/02/an-early-draft-of-carl-sagans-famous-pale-blue-dot-quote/283516/ 

Interactive Infographics: (By Diego Girgado)

This interactive infographic shows how all 50 states have positivity and/or negatively effected the environment and how each state uses renewable energy, mass transit, recycling, and so on. As you click on each state it shows how that particular state compares to the rest of the states. If you click on one of the categories it will show which states did the best, which states did the worst, and everything in-between. This interactive infographic is condensing all of the data they have collected from each state and instead of making a bar chart or table and facts box, the interactive graphic is easier to understand and remember.

By Diego Girgado

Link: http://infographicworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/greenstates.swf

The next interactive infographic I found was about the recent 2014 GM recall that is affecting millions of Americans that own recalled GM automobiles. At first I didn't think anything of the infographic until I began clicking on each individual car. When I did that a small menu popped up and disclosed the model of the car, why it is being recalled, and when the recalled started for that particular model. At the top of the chart it shows the different problems GM is having with its recalled cars and if you each on each tab than the chart will show you how many cars have recalled for that specific problem. This infographic is concise, interactive, and simple to understand to eliminate any confusion someone might have about the recent recall.

By Diego Girgado

Link: http://www.gannett-cdn.com/experiments/usatoday/2014/gm-recall/index.html

The last interactive infographic I found was about how mar is from earth. But instead of using miles or Astronomical units the creators used pixels to help graphic designers understand astronomy in a language they understand. As you clicked the arrow at the bottom of the page you began to travel through space first stopping at Earth’s moon and than embarking on the long journey to Mars. Somewhere along the way the interactive graphic even tells you how fast you are travel. Even though this infographic can be reduced to a quick google search I felt like I was actually traveling through space, which was pretty cool. 

By Diego Girgado

Link: http://www.distancetomars.com/

[diegoryankiersten]

Graphic Design

By Diego Girgado, Ryan Mancini, and Kriesten Davis

Movie Posters

By Diego Girgado

Graphic Design is more than just different typefaces and photos put together in one image. Instead graphic design displays different means, emotions, and ideas through an artistic and creative process. These two movie posters embody the elements of design and the principles of design to communicate their message.

In this movie poster for The Life of Pi, the elements of design I found were the use of lines, color, value, texture, and size. The use of the horizontal line brings balance and support to the human and the tiger. The uses of the two vertical lines suggest spirituality, hinting at the movie’s intentions. The lines also allow you eyes to read from top to bottom. The separation of colors creates a line of symmetry. In terms of color usage, the dark green, the light green, and the white all fall under the category of cold colors, which represents calm and comfort. Upon closer inspection, I found the texture of the image to resemble a chalkboard. In terms of size, the letter pi is consuming the image and making everything else revolve around it making it’s size the center of attention.

In terms of principles of design emphasis, movement, and direction help portray the overall message. The main element of emphasis is the letter pi. The pi could be enlarged to show importance for the letter and to make it the center of attention. In terms of movement, the boy using the stick to ward off the tiger is the only form of movement on the poster, but it helps connect the two images beside their color similarity. The last principle of design used in this piece is direction. Since the pi is the first thing you see, the second thing your eyes notice are the boy and the tiger attached to the pi, and since the vertical lines of the pi are extended downwards the words at the end of the poster are connected to the top.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/529243393685100806/

In this movie poster for The Great Gatsby, the elements of design I found were the use of geometric shapes, space, and color. The first thing I notice off the bat was the use of geometric shapes to create the look and feel of a tux. The use of the triangles helps relate the action, conflict, and drama back to the man and the woman. I also liked how the triangles are separated and barely touching to suggest a close connection between the man and the woman. In relation to the movie, a lake divides Mr. Gatsby’s and Ms. Daisy’s mansions. This poster is suggesting they live right across from each other. The separation by the two-triangular figures creates a background image of a tall skinny glass used for alcoholic beverages, suggesting their role in the movie. The second thing I notice was the use of space in the poster. The spatial relationship between positive and negative space is off balanced and is leaning towards more positive space. This space has an overall effect on the image creating more closeness and intimacy with a lack of privacy. The last element of design is color or lack of color. The use of the black of white color scheme creates sophistication and class to relate back to the times of old vs. new money during the 1920s American society. 

In terms of principles of design balance and unity help portray the overall message. Balance is used in this poster to suggest peace or mutual understand between the man and the woman. Even though elements in the poster are not the same, the geometric shapes are symmetrically aligned, which helps balance the message. Unity is used to help connect all of the elements of the poster together. The use of the city skyscrapers at the bottom of the poster help set the movie’s location. In the city one might find, romance, money, and nightlife all suggested by the use of the man, woman, tux, and skinny glass. All this elements come together to depict New York during the 1920s.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/393572454909839908/

Other cool movie posters:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/140033869638613055/ 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097722279271/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/477522366713072669/

Movie Poster + Book Cover 

By Ryan Mancini 

The image above incorporates elements that are quintessential to the story of “The Indian in the Cupboard.” The look on Omri’s face evokes a sense of wonder and shock as he appears at the three-inch-tall human being in his hands. This other character, Little Bear, reacts through body language. He reflects Omri, expressing his own confusion and shock upon a giant child who brought him to life through a cupboard, a magical key and a plastic American Indian.

The color tries to give off a friendly appearance, as this was a kids’ movie. The brightness of the yellow in this poster makes the image warm and approachable. The blue is set as a contrast that stands out from the brightness of the image. While little major graphic design is involved, this poster can still convey simple messages about what this movie entails, what may (and does) happen with these characters, both of whom are pivotal to the plot of the entire movie.

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/indian_in_the_cupboard/ 

The book cover for neuroscientist Sam Harris’ new book “Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion” makes use of a very plain and subtle cover to place emphasis on a very particular message (i.e., the subtitle of the book). The sky and the clouds evoke a feeling of openness and difference, conveying the message that secularism is an open method of thinking; there is also the idea that spirituality is achievable for anyone, bringing a person outside of their own world to a level of “higher meaning.” The face represents the inherent humanity behind spirituality and non-faith, with the eyes closed as though the person was meditating. The brightness of the clouds and sky make the face appear hidden but accessible, building into a metaphor for the book’s subtitle of having something without the perceived necessity of something else.

Source: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/09/20/sam-harris-waking-up-about-secular-spirituality-hits-new-york-times-best-sellers-list/

[diegoryankiersten]

Typography

By Diego Girgado, Ryan Mancini, and Kiersten Davis 

Script Typeface through an artistic lens. 

By Diego Girgado

Typography is an art form that derives from the selection and arrangement of different type to express a particular effect and meaning. The specific type I am discussing is script typeface. Script typeface focuses more on the elegant, affectionate, and creative characteristics to typography. Script typeface is based upon handwriting has two forms, formal and casual. 

The image above depicts the words kindness in a script typeface intertwined with hands holding small acorns. The style is formal because it has a sense of elegance and grace. The centered italicized text itself has become one with the image. It no longer covers the image’s surface; instead the thumbs of the hands hold the word kindness together with the whole image. The intertwined word also reflects the action of handholding. The use of white text surrounded by darkness symbolizes the closeness and innocence of the image’s message and the reflection of the snow that is sprinkled all over the image.

The image above depicts a young child playing around with crayons, with text appearing beside him saying, “Every child is an artist.” The script typeface in this image is more formal, but has an overall sense of that is charismatic and childish. The color of the typeface is a calming blue, which opens up the emotional spectrum to connect to the child. Also the alignment of the text is fitting to the boy’s body and allowing the text to become part of the boy instead of just words written on the wall.

  The above image depicts a grown man shouting, while the script centered text “strength” is written across his face with an image of a surfer riding a wave that is transparent on the man’s body. The script typeface is casual because it resembles a brushstroke.  Also, the use of organic handwritten style mimics the fluidity of the wave within the man.  The way the word strength is in the center of the image shows how important the word is for the man’s character and passion for surfing. Also the use of the white contrasting with the blue and green colors in the background gives the image a sense of peace and tranquility.

The hand letter artist Ian Barnard is showcasing his artistic ability using typography with images. Although these images do not have a lot in common they share one commonality. All three images evoke an emotion, because of the script typeface being displayed in conjunction with the images. An artist has the ability to express thoughts, feelings, and emotions that cannot be translated through spoken worded, because it cannot be experienced again. These above images allow the audience to understand the feeling these individuals had in that moment, thus sharing the experience.

Source:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/21016089/Hand-Lettering-vol8

Typography in relation to the business world

By Ryan Mancini

Over the several years of its existence, Apple has had several differing promotional images and messages utilizing different typography. Fonts such as Motter Tektura, Apple Garamond, Chicago, Helvetica Neue and Avenir attracted people to Apple’s innovative and contemporary appearance, and each decade has brought a sleeker and smoother touch to each progressive font. The adaptation of each Apple font ties in with the progression of products that are released year by year. I would say these changes fit into Steve Jobs’ vision of Apple evolving and innovating in the way he saw it, or at least continuing within that same perspective after his death and with James Cook as Apple’s current CEO. But at the same time, Apple today appears to follow up with how current companies make use of text, and in turn simulates its own “unique” typography.

 Source:

http://technoblimp.com/2013/06/27/a-history-of-apples-typography/

It was pleasing to see a page in the textbook featuring the work of Ralph Steadman. His illustrations brought “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” to further life alongside Hunter S. Thompson’s erratic and enjoyable writing (“The Rum Diary” is terrific too). Years ago when I first saw his text, I thought I was too outlandish and somewhat creepy. With change and age, I have found more appreciation for the lines and drips and blots accompanying the more straightforward illustrations of “Dr. Gonzo” and “Raoul Duke.” And who can ever truly forget the bats?

Sources:

 http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=35200

http://www.signatureillustration.org/illustration-blog/wp-content/Ralph-Steadman-dr-gonzo-mono.jpg

http://www.comingsoon.net/gallery/42835/Gonzo_poster.jpg 

http://i.imgur.com/X7xCnHv.gif

[diegoryankiersten]

Photographic Representation

By Diego Girgado, Ryan Mancini and Kirsten Davis

Citizen Journalism: by Diego Girgado

Occupy Hong Kong:

Since the beginning of the digital revolution citizen photojournalism has been on the rise and is growing by the minute. Citizen journalists take it upon themselves to report on news they see as relevant and worth reporting on. Although they lack formal instruction, their intentions remain the same as professional journalist. An increase in citizen journalism is do impart to social media and the instant access to news from all around the world. Citizen photojournalism is most commonly used during high intense situations, when a dangerous or life threating event is unfolding before someone’s very eyes. Those people watching in disbelieve pull out their phones and started digitally recording the event, becoming citizen journalists. For this assignment, I focused on how citizen photojournalism is contributing to the awareness of the pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, China.

The first photo I chose was of a defenseless protester on the ground with his phone in his hand covering his face, while a police officer is squatted down next to the protester talking to him. The reason why I chose this photo is because it shows a first person account of what’s happening from a protester’s perspective. Citizen photojournalists remove professional newscasters from the equation and bring the breaking news straight to the viewing public. The reason why citizen photojournalism is so popular is because it humanizes the story. No longer do we just understand the story from a journalist's standpoint now we begin to understand the physiological emotions of the protesters.

The next two photos I chose demonstrate how someone is always recording in the heat of the moment, whether you know it or not. The recent developments of recording capabilities have made even your iPhone as powerful as a high-end digital camera. These two images show just how involved citizen photojournalists are, when documenting their experiences. The two photos expose the interactions between different people all while displaying a digital recording device within close range of the action. From a professional reporter standpoint, we would only see the sheer mass of the crowd of protestors and not the individual interactions within that crowd. The citizen journalist brings us up, close and personal to action and always us to experience the chaos for ourselves.

The last two images symbolize the power of the smartphone in the hands of every photojournalist. With the creation of photo editing apps, images can now be finalized and polished, before being digitally shared around the globe. Also since the rise of Instagram, more people are using that social media platform to photography what is happening in the world from any moment in time. The reason I chose these two images is because it shows just how much influence each person has with just a click of button. No longer are people in the moment, instead people are digitally recorded everything in order to be seen, understood, and reflected upon.  

Citizen photojournalists have become a growing part of today’s news industry. Although, they may not receive the same level of respect as professional journalist they are making a noticeable impression. Although citizen photojournalism is not groundbreaking, it does change the way people receive their news. Now people don’t even have to watch the news or read a newspaper to find out what is going on in the world. Breaking news apps, YouTube, and social media sites have keep the world digitally connected.

Sources:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/334814553521375160/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/288652657341070095/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/503277327082882432/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/349662358543701032/

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/540009811543551549/

The Myth of Photographic Truth: by Ryan Mancini

Denotative: 

Mass Burial at Wounded Knee, 1891:

The horrific image above was taken in January 1891, not long after the Dec. 29, 1890, massacre of 300 Lakota unarmed men, women, children and elders by Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. What made this moment in American Indian history stand out was the accessibility of cameras, and the ability to photograph the events after the massacre took place. Under the leadership of Chief Big Foot, this band were brought near the Pine Ridge Reservation by the 7th Cavalry, originally under the command of George Armstrong Custer before 1876 and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

This photo also holds a denotative meaning. Within its historical context, the Wounded Knee Massacre serves at the pivotal last chapter of the Indian Wars in North America. Burying those who were slaughtered at Wounded Knee was in turn burying years of indigenous sovereignty, culture and freedom and fully submitting to American colonialism and imperialism. While this moment in history brought the act of indigenous defiance into an amnesiac coma, the American Indian Movement brought a bold return of indigenous resistance into the American perspective.

Flower Power:

Taken during the 1960s, this image depicts protesters placing carnations down the rifles of soldiers and officers who are trying to subdue them. Titled "Flower Power," and photographed by Bernie Boston, was placed within the A section of the Washington Star.

The placement of a flower down the barrel of a rifle has symbolized an end to violence and a hope for peace. This moment's historical emphasis comes as Americans at that time became fed up with segregation and discrimination, unnecessary wars such as in Vietnam and crony presidents such as Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon.

Connotative:

Assassination of an Assassin:

The photograph above depicts an anguished man as he experiences being gunned down by a possibly unknown assailant. The officer next to him is clearly shocked and disoriented while still aware of what is happening at that moment. The police officers around them also appear confused and frustrated that this prisoner has been shot.

Drummer (Don Henley):

Looking at this photo, it can be discerned that the man holding the drum sticks plays the drums and is a drummer himself. He holds the appearance of a musician, and it is possible he is a member of a band.

Now, both of these images, I believe, can be viewed as connotative AND denotative. Within its historical placement, the first photo is of Lee Harvey Oswald being shot by Jack Ruby, not long after Oswald killed President John Kennedy. Withholding that knowledge and simply showing the image as it is, people can form their own literal interpretation of what is happening. The same can also be said of the second photo above: the image is of musician Don Henley from the Eagles, sitting behind his drum set. What he is looking at is up to the viewer; he may be looking at a bandmate or a crowd hearing him play. Or if someone knows who Henley is, he may be looking at fellow band leader Glenn Frey. Of course, this is where perception fits into questioning what is actually in the image. I still think there are some photos that can have both forms of "the myth" in its representation and presentation of an event/events. Sources:

http://occupybustour.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/thomas-jefferson-father-of-american-genocide/mass-grave-at-wounded-knee/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/17/AR2007031701300.html

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/33686112/ns/us_news-lee_harvey_oswald?q=Lee%20Harvey%20Oswald

http://therangeplace.forummotions.com/t1894-don-henley

Manipulation of Journalistic Images: by Kirsten Davis

The formal definition of manipulation is the ability to treat or operate a thing as if with the hands or by mechanical means especially in a skillful manner. Visual communication manipulation is manifested through photo editing and a control of lights, shadows, and reflections. Manipulation is used in advertising to give products and people a perfect look that will be more appealing to consumers. Consumers are never offered the original photo, only the ones that have been edited. Two examples of manipulation are Photoshop and also filters that can be placed on photos, in forums such as Instagram and Snapchat.

Photoshop allows pictures to be edited and made to look virtually perfect. For example if a model had a bruise or an extra unwanted blemish, when the photo is Photoshopped the blemishes can be taken away. Photoshop also allows for many changes in the area of lighting and photo orientation. Following are four examples of photos that have been Photoshopped, all showing a noticeable difference from the original photo.

Filters are alternative screens that can be placed on photographs in order to change the color or appearance. Filters can tone down and also enhance the colors in a photograph. They can range from Vintage to Black and White and change the color of all of the items behind the filter. They can add an entirely different feel of warmth or depth to a photo.

Sources: 

http://www.fashionlady.in/lady-gaga-leaked-versace-photos-still-looks-ethereal-without-photoshop/9158

http://fb-troublemakers.com/before-and-after-photoshop-16-pics-20544/

http://funnie.st/371066/celebs-before-after-photoshop/

[diegoryankiersten]

Satire, Caricatures, Humorous Allusions and Visual Puns

By Diego Girgado, Ryan Mancini, and Kiersten Davis

Satire:

Race and the Police:

This cartoon is illustrating a cop driving by a bus stop with a white man standing behind the bus stop bench reading the newspaper, a white woman sitting on the bench, and an African American male standing with his hands in the air as if he is ready to surrender. The satire is highlighting the fear African Americans feel towards the American justice system. Some African Americans live in constant fear of being racially profiled and stereotyped. The contrast between the calm and seemingly clueless white individuals is in sharp disconnect with the panicked African American male. The reason why this satire is so effective is because this cartoon portrays the fear of being racially profiled in a humorous way as if to laugh at the ridiculousness of the actions the African American is taking to insure his incidence.

By Diego Girgado

Source: http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/politicalcartoons/ig/Political-Cartoons/Community-Relations.htm

Hitchens v. God and the Devil:

Released shortly after his death in December 2011, this satirical cartoon of the late journalist and critic Christopher Hitchens poked fun at his then-most recent criticism. He moved from his genuine hatred of Mother Teresa, Bill Clinton and Henry Kissinger to the highest of any critiques, that of God and religion in total. Having once actually played the role of “Devil’s Advocate” at the Vatican before the position was abolished, it toys with the notion that after his death Hitchens beat the Devil at his own game in criticizing God. Meanwhile, the omniscient one sits behind them reading from Vanity Fair, where Hitchens was a contributing editor, and his books “Hitch 22” and “God is Not Great” placed on a shelf close by. This image works as a satire as it provides the image that Hitchens, an atheist, went to heaven (a location he never believed anyone was going to after they died). The artist’s depiction of the Devil being tongue-twisted symbolizes Hitchens’ ability to confound “enemies” during debates and proving how their argument was either baseless or invalid. If God is complementing him, what are the odds that the Devil can do any better? The message is also effective in how Hitchens looks; he wears his khaki suit with a blue shirt, while he holds a glass of scotch in one hand and a cigarette in the other. This greatly identifies with how most people picture him in his later years, rather than the gaunt, bald, dying Hitchens that resulted from his diagnosis of esophageal cancer.

By Ryan Mancini

Source: http://www.carolinajournal.com/cartoons/display.html?id=8580

Caricature:

Obama and Cheney Dichotomy:

This cartoon image depicts both President Obama and former Vice President Cheney in two different posters depicting hope and fear. Obama’s poster has the caption hope with his traditional blue, white, and red color scheme. Obama is drawn with big elephant ears, big nose, and extremely chiseled features. The big ears have become a registered trademark to identify President Obama in political cartoons. The big nose is a distinct feature of most African Americans. Looking at the drawing, Obama resembles more of a monkey and less of a human being. Cheney’s poster has the caption fear and is painted with a light green tint. Also Cheney’s overly opened right eye is giving him a creepy factor that is adding to his unlike ability. Cheney resembles an agitated ogre and the green tint is supported this idea. Cheney looks more twisted and aggressive whereas Obama looks more calm and approachable. This cartoon is showing both the Democratic and Republican party. Although showing more biased for the Democratic Party with the two captions hope and fear. The caricaturist is effective in distorting how both men look, but the captions help hone in on the stance of the message being portrayed. 

By Diego Girgado

Source: http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/barackobama/ig/Barack-Obama-Cartoons/Obama-vs--Cheney.0NGx.htm

Neil deGrasse Tyson:

The caricature above portrays astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson surrounded by all of the planets in the Solar System, while kicking away the contested world of Pluto. It was Tyson who eventually made the popularity of the expression "Pluto is not a planet anymore" that pissed off scores of adults and young children just learning about what worlds lie beyond our own. This debate has even been brought up again more recently, and the judgment has yet to be passed...

The drawing is clearly Prof. Tyson, with his signature sun vest, hairstyle and quirky expressions. With our brother and sister planets surrounding him, his expertise on physics and his fame as the host of "Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey" making him appear as the king of space-related facts, the image carries the message of Pluto's demotion very well. When the announcement was made, it was as though astronomers and astrophysicists were making a general disposal of Pluto. 

By Ryan Mancini

Source: http://www.cagle.com/tag/tyson/

Humorous Allusion:

Obama's Dilemma:

The humorous allusion depicts President Obama addressing the growing concern for global warming in a world filled with more dangerous and important matters. This cartoon depicts issues such as Ebola, the Economy, the Secret Service, border control, Obamacare, Putin, ISIS, Assad, and the Lone Wolves. There is so much going on in this world that President Obama’s main concern when he spoke at the United Nations was about lowering America’s Carbon Footprint. Although this is an important issue, it almost seems irrelevant compared to everything else going on in the world. The humorous allusion is effective in isolating President Obama and letting him be consumed by the on slot of political turmoil around the world. Also the cartoonist made Obama the shortest person drawing in the cartoon to signify the small impact he had made to combat these political catastrophes.

By Diego Girgado

Source: http://www.usnews.com/cartoons/barack-obama-cartoons

Thomas Paine's Critics:

The above image depicts an 1792 political cartoon of the journalist and critic Thomas Paine stepping on many of the old pre-revolutionary concepts of "loyalty," "morality," "obedience to the laws," "religion," or "personal security." Surrounding his head are concepts he was assumed to support (according to his own critics) such as "injustice," "rebellion," and "atheism." And at the bottom is a plea that Paine's philosophical contributions can help positively change how nations work: "Wh[o] WANTS ME: I am Ready & Willing to offer my Services to any Nation or people under heaven who are Desirous of Liberty & Equality."

The message, while antagonistic, sums up many causes Paine contributed or criticized. While he is armed with weapons, his writing skills were his defenses. Though the name of his pamphlet "Common Sense" is twisted to "Common Nonsense," and he stands upon attributes that led to his fame as a symbol of revolution, this cartoon sends an overall mixed message that while Paine can be seen as a rebel, he can be seen as an infidel and a criminal. 

By Ryan Mancini

Source: http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=1-A-157

Visual Pun:

Ebola:

This political cartoon is poking fun at how Republicans are going to sign off on immigrant reform, to protect them from the spread of Ebola continuing in the United States. The use of the elephant in the political cartoon represents the Republican Party. The use of the elephant in the cartoon instead of a man symbolizes the animalistic instinct to protect them from imminent danger. Also the elephant shows signs of fear and panic as if he has seen a mouse or in this case a white piece of paper. This political cartoon that showcases a visual pun is effective, because it shows two issues combined into one universal message addressing the fear of the unknown.

By Diego Girgado

Source: http://www.usnews.com/cartoons\

Making a Change

This political cartoon is an example of a pun. The president that promised to make "A change in Iran" did not do actually make an influential change pertaining to the war. He simply made a change to the name and focus of the country and the cartoonist cleverly illustrated such actions in this picture.

By Kiersten Davis

Source: 

[diegoryankiersten]

Social Media Sites: Everyday and Steller

By: Diego Girgado and Ryan Mancini

             “Everyday,” a social media imaging app, portrays a different premise to the current and ever too trendy “selfie.” The point of this app is to take a selfie once everyday over several days. Your end result should be a movie, shot by shot, of how your facial expression may alter at the same time each day (this new part of your schedule is the result of a daily notification saying, “It’s time for another capture!”). As with what seems to be every other app, you can connect Everyday to your Facebook, Flickr, Tumblr and Twitter accounts, the Four Horsemen of Social Media. This way you can utilize a lesser-known social media with the big four, making your selfie “films” known to friends and followers.

            The more affirmative aspect of Everyday is the summarized view of how one’s face may look at the end of a film. One may download the app feeling very neutral and content, then a period of feeling slightly depressed, ending with days of repeated euphoria. A film could serve as a self made act of motivation where one may think, “things can only get better.” Seeing a positive change in a person’s face can not only make oneself more positive but also it can give assurance to friends and loved ones that they can find positivity in their looks.

            What can make this app more of a negative experience is when somebody becomes too self-conscious of his or her looks, and they only see a face that causes them emotional pain and negativity. Someone else may see improvement, whereas the image-taker may see a living embodiment of a failure, a walking disaster or a fool. The app could hurt someone’s feelings of having a positive self-image; however, any image of oneself can make someone think this. Such feelings can result from the hope of visual self-improvement, and he or she might notice no change, no positive alteration. I strongly insist that this is where the Everyday app may have its loophole.

 Source:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/everyday/id398081659?mt=8

http://petapixel.com/2011/03/21/start-a-self-portrait-per-day-project-with-new-everyday-app/

By Ryan Mancini

Social media has become an intricate part of today’s society. Now the world is globally connected through the means of the Internet. Social media powerhouses such as, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have millions of accounts from all around the world. New and undiscovered social media sites are rising in popularity, specifically ones dealing with visual imagery. I decided to focus on the social media site, Steller.

Steller: When I first found Steller on the App Store, the interface reminded me of Instagram. The purpose of the app is to share images or videos with texts to tell a visual story.

Pros: The app allows the user to connect with a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by email. This feature allows flexibility for people to try to connect with their friends on other social medias. Another pro to the app is the like and comment feature on each individual photo. Also the app separates the users main story, drafts, and collections into separate windows. When you want to post a picture onto Steller it always you to share your image on different social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. I find the ability to choose from text, image, or video refreshing and it does not limit the users creativity.  

Cons: The app only allows the user to upload previously captured photos from your iPhone. In other words you cannot capture images within the app itself. Another con I found with the app is the inability to put descriptions below the images. Also not allowing the user to use hashtags seems like a missed opportunity. Another con I found with the app is the universal format of the image space. The format is set up for vertical photos and disregard horizontal photos. The app also does not allow the user to make quick edits to the photo or use creative filters.

Source:

http://appadvice.com/appnn/2014/03/become-a-stellar-visual-storyteller-with-steller-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch

By Diego Girgado

[diegoryankiersten]

Gender and Racial Stereotypes in the Media.

By: Diego Girgado, Ryan Mancini, and Kiersten Davis

All forms of media whether visual, textual, or spoken influence people of all ages and expose them to the media’s ideology. Media has the ability to categorize different people based on race, ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation otherwise known as stereotyping.

Dominant Reading:

This image above depicts two very different female body types and the preconceived connotations behind each of them.  Using dominant reading, an individual can infer the editor wanted to emphasis the miss treatment of females based on their body type. Words such as, bitchy, confident, and conceited can describe a light skinned skinny blonde young woman. Whereas, lazy, insecure, and undisciplined can describe a light skinned chubby blonde young woman.

Negotiated Reading:

Now using negotiated reading an individual could agree with some parts of the stereotype, but understand the stereotype is changing.  The individual might believe that skinny women are more conceited, but they would be sweethearts. The individual might believe that chubby women are aggressive but still are insecure about their body type.  The individual can understand why the image was taken, but in recent years females have been positively encouraging “plus size women” to embrace their bodies and breakthrough that stereotype. 

Oppositional Reading:

Some individuals might completely go against what the image is advocated and suggest an opposing view point. An individual looking at the image can reject the notion that skinny women are bitchy and that chubby women are lazy. Based on their own ideology they can associate different personalities with different body types not depicted in this image.  That individual does not advocate or condone the message, but instead rejects the image and its ideological agenda.

Sources:

Female Stereotype:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/381539399652854232/ 

Dominant Reading:

The image above depicts a woman of color confidently holding the vulnerable and exposed white man. Using dominant reading, an individual can see the message being portrayed that woman are strong and man are not always as strong as society wants them to be. This image goes against the American patriarchal ideology that men are dominant in society and are superior to women.   

Negotiated Reading:

Some people might find the image off putting because of the way the man is being portrayed. Some people might understand the image and its intent, but feel as if emasculating the man is a little too much. People might support women empowerment, but having a woman of color is making the message more about race and less about gender equality.

Oppositional Reading:

If an individual was looking at this image from an oppositional standpoint than their feelings towards this image are very negative. Again depending on your gender, race, ethnicity, and social class than this image can affect people in different ways. An individual that believes strongly that men in America are superior do not agree with this image. Some individuals might not like how the two sexes are not equal and do not want a constant battle of the sexes.

Male Stereotype:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/381539399652854412/

By Diego Girgado

This image follows the subject of stereotyping. After the release of “Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace, film and social critics saw the character and slaveholder Watto as fitting the stereotype of a Jewish businessman. His appearance evokes some of the similar propaganda used by Nazis during the 1930s and 40s during the dark days of persecution and anti-Semitism across Europe (see the cartoon image below). His character speaks a certain way, which identifies with the stereotype, and he is also fixated on money, again another part of the illusion.

And while anti-Semites in the United States and across the world have used this stereotype, some people took George Lucas’ portrayal of the owner of a young Darth Vader as being very bigoted and hurtful. As with the character Jar Jar Binks, no stereotypes were reportedly in mind when these characters were initially planned out. More or less, they were to fit roles that would normally be seen in a Greek drama, with his as one of a few people keeping the hero from starting his journey. The debate on Watto’s conceptual design and character portrayal can go on for many more years, but the ongoing question on why he meets many negative untruths will persist.

Watto:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Watto

Jewish Stereotype:

http://www.pinterest.com/818robert/visual-stereotypes/

By Ryan Mancini

  Racial Stereotype:

This first example of stereotyping is a meme called Successful Black Man. At the top of picture, you will see a stereotypical idea of what a black man would be saying for example "I went to jail...". Black men are expected to be criminals so it is understood that this man went to jail. Until you read the bottom of the picture which offers an explanation to the sentence at the top of the picture while also defying the stereotype by showing the man as good and not a stereotype. For example "...playing Monopoly with my legitimate children and wife who I love." to finish off the first picture. The man in the picture is actually a good man, contradicting what he would be thought to be.

Successful Black Man's Son:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/145030050470098403/

  This is the Successful Black Man's Son. This meme works the same way as the Successful Black Man meme except for in this one the boy is saying something stereotypical about his father not himself. "I have no idea who my father is..." is the stereotypical sentence, "...donating my old toys to. But I am glad they'll have them by Xmas." is the sentence that defies the stereotype and finishes the picture.

Successful Black Man's Son:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/145030050470098403/

  This picture is a response to the Successful Black Man meme. In this picture we see a man who seems to be successful. This white man also defies his stereotype. At the top of the picture it says "I have a successful career..." which is something white men are expected to have. Followed by "...as a drug dealer" this is shocking and humorous because drug dealers are criminals and often times thought to be black or any color but white. Most would expect this white man to have a legal job as a businessman or manager.

Successful White Man:

 http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/successful-black-man/photos/sort/comments

By Kiersten Davis

[diegoryankiersten]

Visual Persuasion: Shock Advertising and Dynamic Obsolescence

By Ryan Mancini and Diego Girgado

Shock Advertising:

Shock advertising can have a history of showing the flaws we may have as a society, as well as playing toward our demons as humans and showing the flawed nature of how we can present ourselves through images. But shock advertising can promote something that is not promoted by someone's corporate interests. It can be a message of preventing starvation, promoting the fight against terrorism and religious extremism or it can be to bring realization to indigenous sovereignty. It may also, however, be about more simple movements, such as education, race or love. Shock advertising can be considered as vulgar and a reason for censorship, yet there are times when we need a reminder in how we can bring an end to problems in our world through moderate, quiet means that can explode into an ecstasy of ideas and calls for action. 

Nudity and the Message of Love:

In 1980, famed photographer Annie Leibovitz was assigned by Rolling Stone to promote an image of John Lennon and Yoko Ono to coincide with the release of what would be his final album, Double Fantasy. Her photo was to emulate their love, similar to the album’s cover image. According to Leibovitz, an argument ensued after Ono said she would not remove her clothes. Lennon removed his clothes and the image was then taken; hours later he was killed.

Other than the impact this image has in being one of the last promotional shots of John Lennon while he was alive, his nudity and her (literal and figurative) cold appearance show a more representational style. Their physical appearances on the cover can be perceived as unconventional, inappropriate and coarse. After all, it was not normal in that time to see a naked man on his side kissing his wife on a magazine cover. But in some ways they were both very unconventional people, so an image such as this where they showed the world their way of expressing their love for each other was to some people either very unsurprising (in a positive way) or reassuring to those who loved Lennon and Ono’s artistic style. A previous Rolling Stone cover of the two, also coinciding with their earlier album titled Two Virgins, presented images of full frontal and back nudity (again, unconventional and providing shock value in advertising for that album).

As a couple, their overarching message to everyone was to love one another, and any person can view this with some shock value while observing nothing more than primal, human love between two people.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/mark-david-chapman-denied-parole-7th-time-life-death-john-lennon-gallery-1.13682?pmSlide=1.13750

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/john-lennon-the-rolling-stone-interview-19681123

http://www.adlip.com/annie-leibovitz-discusses-the-famous-rolling-stone-cover-of-john-lennon-and-yoko-ono/

Comfortable Products, Uncomfortable Wars:

In this image, “Copper Green” uses an image of the tortured Iraqi prisoner at Abu Ghraib prison and used it as a shock advertisement condemning the actions of the Iraq War through shock advertising. With the bright color background, silhouetted image of a person and white wires resembling headphones, it takes the familiar image used for the old ads promoting iPods. The image twists the people-friendly setting into a message decrying the torture of Iraqis in American military prisons while giving the impression of corporations providing support for the mundane war because of their own interests.

Given the negative response to the war in general and the overwhelmingly critical reaction to the images released of American troops torturing imprisoned Iraqis, anyone who is conscious of Apple’s marketing styles and America’s futile military endeavors a feeling of being unsettled and/or jittery due to this stylized juxtaposition.

 http://www.mediacultuur.net/bronnen/iraq

 Dynamic Obsolescence:

In our society products from books, phones, and common household items are being consumed, used up, and consumed again. We as human beings have this notion of dynamic obsolescence programed into our brains. We see the advancement of technology as the advancement of society’s wellbeing. When we as consumers see the next big thing, we want it, we crave it, we desire the unnecessary materialistic item in our prosecution. 

Flip Phone vs. Smartphone:

Everyone cannot stop talking about the new IPhone 6 and the IPhone 6 Plus, but remember, when the Motorola Razr was just as big as the IPhone. Flip phones are a thing of the past and are seen as out date technology. But, flip phones can still make calls, sent texts, and take pictures. Isn’t that what a phone is used for? In today’s society phones can do much more than make calls and answers texts. Smartphones can go on the Internet, answer emails, play games, and watch movies from anywhere in the world. But, technology will continue to advance and the IPhone 6 will soon be obsolete in a year’s time. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/374221050260517105/

https://www.apple.com/iphone-6/

Books vs. Tablets:

Since our society is the middle of a digital revolution, printed material such as books, newspapers, and magazines are becoming obsolete. One specific example is printed books turning into eBooks. The transition hasn’t been the easiest and is still up for debate about which one is better. This comic strip depicting the battle between a book and an eBook, based on my interpretation both have flaws limiting their full usage. Print books can be read without fear of dying but print books need a light source to be read in the dark. EBooks on the other hand are lightweight, can contain many books at a time, but still run on battery life. This topic of whether or not print books are obsolete is still up for debate.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/17521886025111762/

Typewriters vs. Computers:

Before computers were invented, typewriters were the only alternative to handwriting. Today’s younger generation does not even know what a typewriter is let alone what it looks like. Typewriters were heavy, complicated, and time consuming to use, whereas the computer is lightweight, easy to use, and effortless to work on. Now that the computer has the ability to connect to Wi-Fi, the capability of the computer is limitless. But, just like the IPhone 6 even the newest model of a computer will become obsolete in a year’s time.

In terms of visual perception most consumers see the newest piece of technology as more valuable than their own. Companies developing these new products know once they show their shinny new gadget into the market place, people will come running, wallets full of money ready to buy no questions asked. 

[diegoryankiersten]

Semiotics and Cognitive Processes

By: Diego Girgado, Ryan Mancini, and Kiersten Davis

Semiotics:

This first image is a photograph taken of the Apache leader Goyathlay, known by the Mexican and American armies as Geronimo, an image considered to be a symbol. Geronimo was the last American Indian leader to surrender to US forces in 1886. For years he evaded capture and death only to finally turn in his rifle in order to ensure his band of women, children, elderly and the few fighting men left would survive. He and many of the Apache nation lived the next twenty years as prisoners of war in Florida and Oklahoma; Geronimo never saw his homeland in Arizona ever again.

The image evokes, particularly among the American Indian civil rights movements, the appearance of resistance. The look on his face conveys that he is fierce adversary, a fighter who is part man, part legend. He is someone who galvanized one of the longest pursuits in American history. While he looks formidable enough, the addition of a rifle further extends the suggestion of  “do not mess with me.” This thought process and powerful view of Geronimo made him, in many ways, a symbol and a forefather of American Indian civil rights and resistance to negative government policies towards native people in North and even South America. 

Source: 

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/01/where-the-tradition-of-yelling-geronimo-when-jumping-out-of-a-plane-came-from/

Whenever I see the (in)famous poster of Uncle Sam ordering “I Want You,” I tend to immediately think of its opposite. The analogic image that I think of is a poster that was made during the Vietnam War showing a bedraggled Uncle Sam, bandaged and tired, pleading, “I Want Out.”

The introduction of this poster withdrew all beauty and interest in the prospect of joining the military. Its influence has likely changed the lives of many young men and perhaps women who decided to stay out of the army and pursue different careers. In summation, the image reflects the era where many young Americans saw the war in Vietnam as a hopeless campaign against an invisible enemy.

Whereas the original poster features a firm, convincing and stern Uncle Sam giving a direct order. It is bold and patriotic; a perfect example of propaganda during America’s endeavors in imperialism during the early 20th century when the poster was first introduced.

Source:

http://cspgblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/poster-of-week.html

In this semiotic advertisement the producers are advertising ice cream. The producers want consumers to believe that their ice cream is so tasteful that if was "immaculately" made, as if God himself had made this product and it was evident through the taste. Furthermore the woman eating the ice cream is a pregnant nun. In many religions, nuns are taught to practice celibacy and therefore would not be able to become pregnant. By saying that the ice cream is "immaculately conceived" we are reminded of the Virgin Mary as producers offer humor as well as the notion that this ice cream is so good that only sacred forces could be responsible for it's creation.

Source:

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/jun/18/fedirici-ice-cream-advert-asa#_

Cognitive Processes:

Whether walking in the street, driving in traffic, or going out to eat, people analyze almost everything from strangers to celebrities. This is just human nature because of cognitive processes. The term cognitive processes refer to the mental ability to analyze what people see and how the individual perceives those images. 

One aspect of the cognitive process is culture and the tremendous impact culture has on visual perception. The above image is of an Indian man wearing traditional clothing for his wedding. Hindu religion stresses great importance on wedding ceremonies. Their weddings are grand gesture of wealth, family, and spiritual ties to their faith. When most western people see this image they may first look at the man’s attire and feel confused as to why he is wearing such a feminine outfit. Some might find the image off-putting because in western-culture men wear tuxedos to their weddings.  Most western people might not understand the image and disregard the cultural significance. But, if a person believes in Hinduism than they can understand the importance of the image.  

Another aspect of the cognitive process is expectations, specifically society’s unrealistic expectations. Recently, Target came under fire because of a Photoshop scandal with one of their models. The image above shows a young model modeling a two-piece bikini, but upon closer inspection the young model’s body has been edited to seem more attractive. As you can tell by the image above the model now has a thigh gap, smaller torso, and exaggerated long arms. Society has this preconceived notion on how women’s bodies should be portrayed as skinny and the media only emulates that expectation. Some people might be appalled to see how much editing was done to the young model’s body and protest the subjection of women’s bodies in society. While other people might be okay with the image and see no harm done by the photo editors. 

Cognitive process also mentions this idea of cognitive dissonance, which refers to opposite ideologies clashing with one another. In this case the image above shows a well-dressed young man from the Democratic Republic of Congo leaning on a vandalized stonewall. This image shows cognitive dissonance because the blue spray-paint is conflicting with the young man’s sophisticated outfit. Although he lives in poverty, his clothes say otherwise and the smile on his face shows that he does not let his finical hardship stand in the way of his life. People can perceive this photo one of two ways, a young man trying to escape poverty or a man trying to be something he can never become because of where he is from. People are going to have different opinions on different issues because of individual upbringing, background, and culture.

Sources:

Humans of New York: 

http://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/95308601796/im-embarrassed-to-say-this-but-ill-say-it

http://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/97236220546/at-an-indian-wedding-the-bride-has-a-tough-act-to 

Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/fashion/target-photoshops-thigh-gap-model-article-1.1717747

[diegoryankiersten]

Form vs. Content

By Diego Girgado, Ryan Mancini, and Kiersten Davis

Content: The above image shows supermodel Heidi Klum advertising a Carl’s Jr. burger with a very sexually inviting pose.  The content of the image is to persuade people into buying the Carl’s Jr. burger. By using a gorgeous supermodel such as Heidi Klum, Carl’s Jr. wants the viewing public to buy their burger after seeing the product being eaten by a gorgeous, overly sexualized woman. In our society sex sells; advertisers exploit a model’s body to promote a product and catch people’s attention. Ads such as these focus more on the provocativeness of the model and link it to the actual product.

Form: In terms of the technical side of the image, value, color, size, and space play a huge role in the overall style of the image. Value is darker and more intimate, which plays on the sexual and seductive side of the image itself. The color is warm and more vibrant on the burger and Klum as compared to the background. The size of the burger versus the size of Klum signifies how important Klum’s looks are to the ad’s success and overall product demand. The physical space between the burger and Klum also depicts the illusion of intimacy between the burger and the woman eating the burger.

Content: The above image is of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963 in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The content of this image is remembering the importance of not only King but also the whole Civil Rights Movement. King greets the crowd with optimism, as observed in the image. In the background, thousands upon thousands gathered to witness history in the making.

Form: From a photographer’s standpoint, there are certain rules being executed in this image. These rules include color, value, space, and rule of thirds. The photo is in black and white, which builds the sense of remembrance, as well as history and nostalgia. The value is more flat and allows for more light to expose the entire image. As a result of the flat lighting, the image is less dynamic and softer.  Space plays a crucial role in the importance of the image, because King is in the foreground of the image looking out to see how many people want society to change. Rule of thirds is a prominent element in this photo, because King is placed in the right section of the photo to balance out the sheer mass of the crowd.

Content: While not a photo, the image above of Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” conveys not only a clear appreciation of the cosmos but also a wild, fanciful and beautiful view of how one man saw the night sky. This painting brought the night sky and the cosmos beyond down to Earth, down to a human level.

Form: There are many different shades of blue that alter based on the space between stars and the light they shine. The clash of colors (blues and yellows) depict attributes of what could be seen as feelings of grief and sadness mixed with senses of joy and ecstasy. The swirls and curves move along their own paths, as if there was implied movement with the clouds, visibly moving at a heightened speed; below there is an inhabited valley of a small town and cypress trees. The physical space at the bottom gives humanity to the painting, where the viewer places more perspective into a painting that is far more than just a painting of a night sky. Van Gogh paints glowing orbs around these distant stars, giving them a sense of stars existing as living celestial bodies, glowing light years away.

Sources:

ABC News:

http://abcnews.go.com/meta/search/imageDetail?format=plain&source=http://abcnews.go.com/images/Business/ht_heidi_klum_carls_jr_ad_thg_130321

http://abcnews.go.com/US/things-make-dream-famous-speeches-history/story?id=20068795

Van Gogh Gallery:

http://www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/starry-night.html

[diegoryankiersten]

"Ground Zero Mosque" Podcast

By Diego Girgado, Ryan Mancini, and Kiersten Davis

In listening to what Michael Calderone said about the Islamic center that was to be built in New York City, he made a powerful argument as to why the media-made phrase “Ground Zero Mosque” was inaccurate and nonsensical. The use of language by the media, mixed with ideology, have twisted the whole idea of a mosque being built in Lower Manhattan into something frenzied and political. Hearing those words sounds as though a mosque was going to be built in place of where the towers once stood, sending the hype and irrationality into, to quote the late journalist Christopher Hitchens, “a level of stupidity…that shame[s] the memory and the victims of that terrible day in September 2001.” 

Theme: Seems as though Americans perceive all Muslims to be mindless followers of Osama bin Laden. Upon listening to the podcast, I had this overwhelming sense of religious freedom being called into question. The Mosque is located with some proximity to Ground Zero, but the media-forged name for this dilemma angered some ignorant Americans who do not know the exact details of where the Mosque is to be built. Every since 9/11, Americans have been on high alert for another terrorist attack to happen on our soil. With that being said, the theme of the podcast can be categorized as a reaction to post-9/11 hysteria. 

Conflict: The Americans protesting the mosque’s construction defend their claims with the excuse that the mosque is an insult to all the men and women who died at 9/11, affiliating all Muslims with Osama bin Laden and his insidious cult, Al Qaeda. The mosque’s existence has no relation to the actions committed at Ground Zero in any way, shape or form. The mosque’s existence and the media’s misunderstood reaction brought cause to all Islamophobes who wanted to find a new pathetic excuse to explain why they indiscriminately hate Muslims. Yes there are some religious extremists who dislike the western world and want to see it destroyed, but this cannot be said about all those who consider themselves worshippers of Islam. 

Resolution: The photo gallery of ethnically diverse children symbolizes the intent of the mosque located near ground zero. The mosque was never built as a symbol of intolerance or a base for wannabe terrorists to comingle and plot. The mosque is a place of religious worship. The headline “Ground Zero Mosque” distorts the intent to build a mosque in Lower Manhattan. As safeguarded by the Constitution’s First Amendment, the establishment of any religious structure is assured as long as space is available, particularly in a crowded city like New York.

Sources:

Osama Bin Laden:

http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/osama-bin-laden-death-on-the-front-page/3/

Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ground-zero-mosque-opens-protests-art-exhibit-world-kids-display-article-1.954409