OUIL401: Visual Journal

Visual Journal

After Thursday's COP session I have a better understanding of what the journal is for. I've been too literal in using the line, collage, texture, shape and colour and didn't realise we could combine them which is good as I can fully get into the visual process without any restrictions.

I think collage and line have been the most successful so far but I need push with the others too to really test my subject.

There are key words with my quote: anger, confusion, stupidity, truth, lies, hatred, hope, division, fear, uncertainty are just some I can try visually communicate.

Donald Trump and Nigel Farage would be obvious figures to focus on but more subtle imagery would be an interesting challenge. It will be difficult/impossible to not let my own social/political views influence the journal but that is necessary for the ideas to have a direction and focus.

Satirical art research: David Dees

Conspiracy and Pro-Trump satire

Whilst researching satirical illustrators I somehow found David Dees' satirical art. I gradually realised an anti-Semitic theme and discovered he has lots of bizarre conspiracy theories and seemingly supports Donald Trump as the saviour although he mainly focuses on anti-Semitic themes.

He also promotes alternative/herbal medicine for cancer treatment, holocaust denial and climate change denial

Post-truth

I agree with the idea from researching modern satire that liberal leaning satirists became complacent in their belief that the ideas that David Dees promotes are not taken seriously by most people but obviously (judging by the website comments) there are a lot of people capable of believing conspiracy theories despite the facts on offer in the 'post-truth age'. It strengthens my view that liberal satirical artists have a hard job of trying to appeal to a divided Western world and many have become soft in attacking dangerous and extreme views.

I think the illustrations are terrible in every way but they are a good example of how modern satirical illustration is used by both sides of the political spectrum.