Class Exercise - Poster breakdown

In class we had to discuss the Rhetoric properties of these images and the message they convey. My class partner and I reviewed this image of the American flag.

Mindmap/brainstorm of ideas about image

• Simplicity of design reflects simplicity of message
• Vector style, 3 colours (red, white and blue), 2d flat style
• Literal identity, humorous, America IS a corporation
• Image of mass production and recognition of 70% of logos, even from NZ background
• Global influence
• Identity embedded within flag, "freedom" run by corporations, new identity of America
• U.S.A flag replaced stars with corporate company logos
• Logos within logos - flag is basically a logo for America, range of logos + company purposes.

Visual Rhetoric Identification

Pastiche and Parody

• "form of imitation, appropriation to a well-known genre. Reinterpretation and appropriation of a subject"
• Parodying the American flag by replacing the states' stars with globally known American logos for corporations

Substitutions and Addition

• "one language is being used for another purpose"
• the message of 'freedom' by the American flag is compromised by the amount of corporations in the country.

Juxtaposition

• "putting two things/images together to create a new meaning"
• combining the American flag with recognisable logos creates a poster concerned with corporations running America.