These are but a few examples of symbolism and how it was used to create an aura of honourability and power and also how it created a sense of security and trust in Elizabeth and her abilities in ruling the country, but how is symbolism used in todays society? this is the question I am going to address next.
In todays society we see many status symbols, via television, film, music videos and just as frequently in everyday life. these status symols create a reputation and a feeling of importance and respect for the individual involved. Music videos in particular contain masses of symbolism with which the viewers minds are unknowingly bombarded with subliminal messages of wealth, beauty, respect, power and importance from the artist. Rap/hip hop videos are especially renownd for theses status symbols, where we often see rappers parading round wearing high end designer clothing, diamond jewlelry, sipping on champagne and driving fancy cars.
The contemporary image or portrait I am going to dicuss containing symbolism is interesting for a few reasons not only does it show the celbrity in question asserting their power, ego/high sense of self esteem, it also has links to a conspiracy theory, which demonstatrates the power of publicity and how celebrites will court attention at any cost. Afterall there is a saying that any publicity is good publicity...
The Image I am talking about in this case is a portrait taken from Beyonces Album "I am Sasha Fierce" artwork.
So this portrait is interesting for a number of reasons starting with the pose and facial expressions of Beyonce, she is seen in an extremly dominant, slightly agressive pose, deliberatley staring directly at the camera with a very strong and assertive Facial expression. This clearly symbolises her as an authorative, powerful woman almost warrior like.
to add to this the outfit she is wearing is a metallic like corset, again almost warrior like as the shape of the garment in a way reminds me of a shield, maybe used by an ancient viking warrior with some type of medeivil armour like the one pictured below.
Another thought which popped into my head whilst viwing this image of Beyonce was its similarities to the garment worn by the ficticous super hero Wonder Woman, both in shape and style of the garment but also similar in colour. Again the pose in which Beyonce is staning in is extremely similar to the pose of Wonder Woman in the picture below. Sasha Fierce is said to be Beyonces alter ego with a super hero like name could her inspiration have been taken from Wonder Woman? As she is also strong and mighty powerful being.
Beyonce appears to also be wearing some type of bracelet on her left arm, however in all the different size images of this picture I could find I was not able to see what exactly was on the bracelet. therefore I am unable to attempt to analyze any symbolism regarding this jewelry piece.
More symbols present in the artistic display are both the way the photo has been taken and the colours used. Beyonce herself is seen in black and white with a shadow like dark effect to the photography. Her outfit however is in colour this draws attenton away from Beyonce herself, so the observers main focus is on details of her elaborate costume. This is where clever marketing of Beyonces image and her willingness and ability to play up to publicity, rumours and provoke a reaction of conspiracy theorists comes to light. A popular internet phenomenon and conspiracy theory has been in circulation for a while now, regarding many mainstream celebrities and their "connection" to a supposed satanic cult called the Illuminati. The fact that Beyonce is clearly wearing a corset not only in the shape of a Baphomet or devil like head with horns, but actually displays a devil like face image with flames in red and yellow on the front is an example of an extremly effective way to gain attention and court publicity. Beyonce and her husband New York born rapper Jay-Z are frequently the centre of attention due to a number of photographs, portraits and music videos containing apparent "Illuminati/satanic" symbolism and poses. They are clearly demonstrating a gift for gaining and maintaining media attention.
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