Art speaks through many languages. It is the universal tongue that has the capability of connecting people of all cultures, languages and traditions. Messages are arranged within a composition through juxtapositions of shape, color, text, sound, movement and iconography. Sometimes the goal of the artist is to transfer an exact message and sometimes the goal is simply to encourage examination and analysis.
The first image recently found in the streets consists of a character with a slightly deformed face with a keyboard in hand. The word “DUBSTEP” is printed above and behind the character and the phrase “ITS THAT STUPID” is printed below. For anyone who grew up during the late 80s, the character mystery is easily solved. Sloth from Goonies is the character. DUBSTEP is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in South East London. After examination of the components of the piece, an analysis begins with the connection with DUBSTEP electronic dance music, Sloth’s possible dance pose and the electronic music device in his hand. The “ITS THAT STUPID” phrase is less obvious, but most likely has something to do with Sloth’s intelligence.
The second image is a profile of a menacing and deranged character with the well known Nike slogan “JUST DO IT” below. The Nike logo is printed at the bottom. The character is recognizable, but not as obvious as the Sloth in the first piece. After examination, a conclusion was found that this character is Marshall Applewhite of the Heaven’s Gate religious group. On March 26, 1997, thirty-nine bodies were found dead in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Each member was wearing identical Nike athletic shoes. The combination of Applewhite’s portrait and the Nike slogan is pretty obvious.
What is your analysis?
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My take on the Applewhite one: It’s just a rehash. Parody Nike commercials were done referencing the Heaven’s Gate episode back when it originally happened; I can’t remember where but could have even been on something like SNL. In my opinion whoever made the poster is just unearthing an old reference, no harm in that.