Aphrodite Coulter, Oprah Hestia, Hermes Colbert. These are the names of some of the portraits in A Pantheon of Media Gods by Jessie Rauch.
Rauch describes the project as, "A series that transforms media celebrities into Greek Gods as metaphorical commentary on the power that individual pundits and journalists have in controlling access to information and in the shaping of public opinion."
For example, the caption of the O’Reilly Ares portrait says, ‘Hail to O’Reilly, father of the NO-SPIN ZONE. His Mighty power dares to challenge truth itself. He works with woe embitter human life."
Beyond being humorous and sarcastic, the series opens our eyes to the power these news and media personalities hold over a large number of people.
Media Figures as Greek Gods
A Pantheon of Media Gods
Trend Themes
1. Metaphorical Commentary - Exploring the use of metaphors to showcase the power of media figures and their influence on public opinion.
2. Celebrity Transformation - Transforming media celebrities into Greek Gods as a way to highlight their influential roles in controlling access to information.
3. Satirical Portrayals - Using satire to depict media personalities as powerful deities, exposing the control they exert over a large audience.
Industry Implications
1. Media and Entertainment - The media and entertainment industry can consider innovative ways to deconstruct and analyze the influence of media figures on public opinion.
2. Art and Photography - Artists and photographers can find inspiration in Rauch's project to create satirical and thought-provoking works that challenge traditional perspectives.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Marketers and advertisers can leverage the concept of celebrity transformation to create impactful campaigns that tap into the influence of media personalities.