Text and Image

What have you learned about Text and Image?

While learning about "text and image" I have learned a lot about how artists use small phrases, single words, or numbers to convey their message. Barbara Kruger is an example of an artist who used "text and image" in her work. Kruger used her artwork to tackle issues dealing with feminism and consumerism, and she conveyed these messages using "text and image". I also learned about the deep-rooted relationship between "text and image" and street art (graffiti). Most street artists utilize "text and image" in their work. Street art and "text and image" are used so frequently together to the point they are synonymous. It goes to show the effect that "text and image" have on street art. It affects more than just how the art looks. It affects the culture as a whole. 

How do contemporary artist use the concept of text & image in their artwork?

We mentioned Barbara Kruger earlier and how she heavily used "text and image". The majority of her work included a black and white picture with white text in a red box over the picture. The background picture and the caption on top would correlate to create a message. Often dealing with feminism or consumerism. More modern artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey also use "text and image" in their artwork. Banksy creates artworks that can include a caption accompanied by an image or sometimes just a caption. He uses his art to tackle multiple themes. Some of his messages may deal with current issues in society like war, politics, or the environment, etc. He also deals with themes like human emotion. 

How might you be able to use text & image in your own art?

One idea I have is to create a video with "text and image" that pops up throughout the video. To further explain the idea the video would be the usual normal video, but in certain frames, large text would pop up along with the video in the background. If you paused the video you would see a picture that incorporates "text and image". The frame with "text and image" would help to convey the main message of the film. The frame could also be altered with filters or other images to create a better picture. 

Is there something that you found in your investigation that specifically interested or inspired you? 

I found the movie "Banksy Does New York" to be really interesting. I never knew about his one-month residency in New York, so it was really interesting to follow how it all went down day by day. Each day brought new artwork. It was interesting to see all the art he created, and how the citizens of New York reacted to the art. On top of that all the controversy dealing with people stealing his art, the police's response to Banksy's art, and the messages behind Banksy's art were all really interesting to learn about. I thought the movie was really well done and kept me engaged the whole time.