For my research on published imagery I established a World Press Photographer Platon and he captured portraits of 150 current world leaders in a period of 12 months at the United Nations “Power: Portraits of World Leaders” Book, 2011. Platon is a story teller through his portraiture photography he says, “A portrait to me, is about closeness, it’s about truth.” Before taking his shots, he likes to connect with the person he is photographing and not being intimidated by the leader’s authority. He wants to express his connection with the leaders and a simplified message to the viewers that weren’t present. “…even with all this incredible technology and social networking there’s a great need for a human connection.” Human connection through photography makes the viewer feel and understand the leader’s honest character and realistic features and expressions.

Continuing my research, I discovered a graphic poster demonstrating Revolutionary Art by Emory Douglas promoting the Black Panther Party stimulating gender equality. The Black Panthers used posters in order to spread messages across to others that were likewise struggling for gender equality. He connects with his audience by using visual communication that is familiar to them. The poster is illustrating a story to make the women feel hope and a chance of freedom and equality, through powerful imagery of a women appearing heroic. “What an amazing creative way to magnify, and illuminate the courage of 30 Sheroes whose courage, leadership and character is symbolic of the many unsung Women Sheroes of past and present.” -Emory Douglas.

The final image is by Jamie Reid, an English artist that has connections to the Situationist international. It was created for the Sex Pistols album cover “God Save the Queen.” connecting to the audience in an informal manner, contrasting to the queen’s status. “All that I have been doing is re-adapting my work from the late-6o’s and early 70’s into different contexts and continuing with the same themes and messages.”-  Jamie Reid. In my opinion, this cover gives a rebellious feel through the ripped collage method that makes the cover memorable. Despite the aggressive appearance, flag symbolism has been introduced on the cover, providing a message to the viewers that it’s based on British pride.

Platon (2011) Power: Portraits of World Leaders. Available from: https://cdn.waterstones.com/bookjackets/large/9781/4521/9781452100586.jpg [Accessed at: 29^th November 2017]

Emory Douglas (1969) The Black Panthers. Available at: http://www.reimaginerpe.org/files/styles/large/public/AP1069-african-american-solidarity-black-panther-poster-1969.jpg?itok=nR3I2Td8 [Accessed at: 29^th November 2017]

Jamie Reid, (1977) “God save the queen” Available at: https://kingydesignhistory2012.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/godsave1.jpg?w=529&h=368 [Accessed at: 29^th November 2017]

Platon, British Photographer, Youtube, Photographer Platon gives us a tour of his studio – Profiles. The New Yorker. Published on 22 Jul 2014. Time 2:32. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAoUL8Kca2E [Accessed at: 29^th November 2017]

Platon, British Photographer, Youtube, How photographer Platon gets up close to capture a person’s truth. Author: PBS NewsHour. Published on 6 Apr 2017. Time 0:05. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBcVIqCx3fY [Accessed at: 29^th November 2017]

Platon, British Photographer, Abstract: The Art of Design | Netflix Official Site, Netflix.com. Available at: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80057883 [Accessed at: 23^rd November 2017]

Emory Douglas, A-Z Quotes, QUOTES BY EMORY DOUGLAS. Available at: http://www.azquotes.com/author/43616-Emory_Douglas [Accessed at: 29^th November 2017]

Jamie Reid, Poster Designer, graphic design history and theory. Available at: https://kingydesignhistory2012.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/jamie-reid-poster-designer-by-ciannait/ [Accessed at: 29^th November 2017]