Out of a landfill of images (Google Images) the one that struck me the most was the following:
These images of the event (statuette thrown at Italian Prime Minister) drew parallels in my mind with the show throwing of George Bush. The image was generated by the French Press (AFP) and was found on the BBC website.
Technical Perspective:
-appears to be carefully constructed/ composed/ positioned.
-probably taken by digital camera
-although it holds similar characteristics of creative photo libraries such as Getty images, used by various news sources for manipulation into an editorial context, the image I think is in fact an editorial image, which was taken with a specific context/ news event in minds. This I think is primarily done with the cultural figurine of the PM which was created out of a cultural/social context.
-created out of Christian context (in this case, a "highly" Christian Italy)
-taken by photo journalist, by a photo journalism agency, the Agence France-Presse
-it functions on many layers as it acts as an image of an image. An image of a cultural and political setting (politics vs. religion).
-the figure has obviously been placed out of context as the out-of-focus background shows that there are not other figures like him, that it is in fact originally a shop of nativity figures.
Political Perspective
-its comedic nature reflects a negative parody-like perspective of the Italian PM, as he is put in the same context of a laughable toy or a cartoon.
-reveals a Christian background of the story. Putting the PM's actions in direct contrast with "Italian" Christian ideologies. Is Italy and its "rulers" truly Christian?
-the producer paints a controversial image and implied statement as they present the news worthy figure in place of baby Jesus who is suppose to be the central figure and focus of the current time of the event, the time in which lent and Christmas are celebrate. But the image seems to highlight cultural phenomenon of other figures replacing Jesus' spotlight.
Cultural Perspective
-the image requires a specific cultural understanding of its context in order to understand the meaning. Hence this image seems to be made for an Italian audience, and maybe as far as a western audience
-a place not driven by western media and culture may not identify the Christian nativity scene. Also, without the knowledge of the news event, someone may not understand the subversive commentary that is possibly being made
-it appears that the image reflects a shared negative view of the Italian PM
-taken from the BBC, it likewise seems to put forth the idea that Britain too sides with the ideas and attitude presented in the image.
--Thomas Zukowski
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