Collective memory is shaped by images that we store from pieces of our lives that stick with us for various reasons- usually because they left some sort of impact. We are manipulated through mass media due to the way that many images are presented, which leave a unique sense of portrayal for the user. On a smaller scale, artists censure and manipulate images to cater to the message that they are trying to convey. The use their understanding of the manipulation process, both visually and intellectually, to make the viewer think or feel as they want them to. Message are spoken through this method and the more enticing the image and message, the more likely for it to stuck in our collective memory.
Erasure is a process of image editing that allows the artist to cover elements of an image with portions of elements around it. Through this technique, the message that an image is giving off its completely redefined. A simple example of this would be an image of a person with their mouth appearing to be visually removed, and in its place, is plain skin. In reality, the mouth was not deleted, but it was covered up by copying selected areas from around it to appear as so. This performance in itself is relaying a message that not everything is as it seems and that we have the power to cover up facts and alter the perception of others. By understanding this, we are more inclined to question all that we see and through this, become more well-rounded learners in and out of classroom settings are we redefine the way we think.
When creating my Erasure art, John Lennon was my subject. I altered his mouth, considering he was both a musician and an activist, I wanted to touch on the irony of removing such an important part of him.
Erasure is a process of image editing that allows the artist to cover elements of an image with portions of elements around it. Through this technique, the message that an image is giving off its completely redefined. A simple example of this would be an image of a person with their mouth appearing to be visually removed, and in its place, is plain skin. In reality, the mouth was not deleted, but it was covered up by copying selected areas from around it to appear as so. This performance in itself is relaying a message that not everything is as it seems and that we have the power to cover up facts and alter the perception of others. By understanding this, we are more inclined to question all that we see and through this, become more well-rounded learners in and out of classroom settings are we redefine the way we think.
When creating my Erasure art, John Lennon was my subject. I altered his mouth, considering he was both a musician and an activist, I wanted to touch on the irony of removing such an important part of him.