David Wojnarowicz ”Untitled”
1.) There are many rhetorical properties to this image that contribute to its meaning. The color and design play a big part, such as the black and white color scheme. This gives it a really old and dreadful tone to me, having the kid smile in the middle with text around him added to the dreadfulness. Even before I looked at what the text said, I knew this image would have some dark undertone behind it.
2.) The image revolves around homophobia, which is still present today. Millions of LGBTQ+ people are oppressed and pushed away just for their sexuality. The world has slowly changed but homophobia is still an issue. In the 20th century, many laws and policies were put in place to punish those who were Lgbtq+. Many gay men were sent to conversion therapy and subjected to shock therapy too. This was a horrible era in the 20th century, due to homophobia many southern states would pass and support these homophobic policies.
3.) The conclusion I can draw from this image is that art is timeless. I’m guessing this image is several if not decades years old, due to the black and white image of the kid. Furthermore, the context behind this image still applies today. There are many gay men that are still killed, oppressed, and more due to their sexuality. There are many places even in the United States where gay marriage is still illegal, and in other countries you can go to jail for being gay.
I understand your point of view when you say the image of the boy may be decades years old. It’s interesting to think about, even why did the author choose this boy specifically?