Rock Springs

Write down 10 adjectives that come to mind when you see these photos of Wyoming.  What do they make you feel?

Ways of Selling

The publicity image belongs to the moment.  We see it as we turn a page, as we turn a corner, as a vehicle passes us.  Or we see it on a television screen whilst waiting for the commercial break to end.  Publicity images also belong to the moment in the sense that they must be continually renewed and made up-to-date.  Yet they never speak of the present.  Often they refer to the past and always they speak of the future. […]

Within publicity, choices are offered between this cream and that cream, that car and this car, but publicity as a system only makes a single proposal.  It proposes to each of us that we transform ourselves, or our lives, by buying something more.  This more, it proposes, will make us in some way richer –even though we will be poorer by having spent our money.  

Publicity persuades us of such transformation by showing us people who have apparently been transformed and are, as a result, enviable.  The state of being envied is what constitutes glamour.  And publicity is the process of manufacturing glamour.

                                                                                          John Berger, Ways of Seeing, 1976

1.  In your own words, explain what the author says about: 
                        -where publicity images can be found;
                        -what they propose.



2.  Think about television commercials or publicities found in the streets, on billboards, and cite a few examples of how they "manufacture glamour."  Be ready to speak about these publicities in class.

Guerrilla Gardeners

What ingredients do you need to make a seed bomb?
What is the purpose of seed bombs?
Who do you think the guerrilla gardeners are?  What's their goal?

Simpsons

This Simpsons intro was directed by the street artist, Banksy.  (October 2010)
1. )  How is it different from the normal Simpsons intro? 
2.)  Describe 3 instances in which he criticizes consumer culture.

Banksy

What is the social commentary behind these pieces of public art?  What larger message is Banksy trying to say in each?

Blek le Rat

Why did Blek le Rat choose these images as grafitti?  What message is he sending?  What city do you think this is?

Samo

Describe this graffiti in detail.  What is the theme presented?  Who is the audience for this?