British photographer Alexander Missen's latest series 'Q&A' is dedicated to critically examining America's cultural markers, and how their perpetuation turns them into wide-spread and undisputed realities.
Missen hopes that, by picking apart each symbol, he can unravel the myth of America; the one that is contingent on flags, cars and mountains. The fact that each image looks strangely familiar is a testament to how strong, how rooted, America's cultural identity really is. American or not, there is something instantly recognizable in each photo.
Though the series is intended as a commentary and exploration, it is simultaneously apart of something bigger than itself: the idealization of American Culture. Each shot hints at this bigger, better and, ultimately, mythical picture.
American Culture Photography
Alexander Missen Photographs America's Visual Symbolism
Trend Themes
1. Cultural Marker Critique - Exploring the impact and influence of cultural markers and symbols in society, and questioning their perpetuation as accepted truths.
2. Unraveling Cultural Myths - Unveiling the myths and idealizations surrounding cultural identities and challenging the narratives constructed by symbols and imagery.
3. Instant Recognizability - Highlighting the power of visual symbols and their ability to invoke immediate recognition and familiarity across cultures.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Opportunity to capture and present alternative perspectives on cultural symbols through photography, challenging established norms and narratives.
2. Marketing and Advertising - Disruptive potential in reimagining branding strategies by deconstructing and reconstructing cultural symbols, tapping into deeper meanings and creating fresh narratives.
3. Sociocultural Studies - Exploring the impact of cultural symbols in shaping collective identities, challenging assumptions, and fostering critical discussions about social constructs.