Yesterday we had a class discussion on our dissertation ideas. My initial idea is based around propaganda and how digital media shapes our options of war. Since I moved to Brighton in September I have been delighted to see the variety of exhibitions here with the Brighton Photo Biennial (a series of photography exhibitions) been one which I seen most of.
‘Iraq Through the Lens of Vietnam’ and ‘Why, Mister, Why?’ Were for me two of the most influential.
‘The Incommensurable Banner’ by Thomas Hirschhorn been the most graphic and probably the most realistic.
‘Why, Mister, Why? ‘Used image manipulation (Photoshop etc.) to convey its message while’ Iraq Through’ the Lens of Vietnam stuck mainly to conventional photography.
Both mediated a message and drew on emotions influencing our option of what can and what cannot be justified in times of war.
The idea of propaganda and truth is one which has always fascinated me, so I'm looking forward to delving into the minds of the world's most successful puppeteer's.
pup⋅pet⋅eer
A puppeteer is a person who manipulates an inanimate object — a puppet— in real time to create the illusion of life
