Antonia Meier
Digital Imaging
Self Portrait
The collage is a fusion of elements, each representing parts of my identity. It also functions like a scavenger hunt as there are smaller details hidden within. I began by intertwining my hometown of Pittsburgh with the city of Rosenheim, Germany, where my family comes from symbolizing how both cultures have influenced and shaped me. In addition to combining the cites I added books, to reflect my joy of reading. In the middle you see a toddler—my younger self— which embodies my drive for creation and discovery. My family is sitting on a quay in the center, portraying moments of joy and connection. Through this collage, I aim to bring a sense of whimsicalness and nostalgia, inviting viewers on a visual journey through my personal narrative.
Postmodernism
The design touches on the surveillance we experience in modern life, where smartphones, government, and private cameras, even doorbells, have us under constant observation. Using a postmodernist approach, it depicts the 'watchful eye' through simple, cubist-inspired lines, juxtaposing complexity with minimalist aesthetics. By exaggerating this motif, it urges viewers to confront our hyper-observed society, questioning the boundaries of public and private realms. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's "1984," it reflects on the reality of mass surveillance and its impact on trust and privacy. Ultimately, it presents an unfiltered view of the cityscape, revealing that those being watched are also watching back.
Politcal Poster
For this poster I'm taking the stance that the United States needs to change from a two-party system to a multi-party coalition system. The poster is divided into two visual parts, representing the two-party system. I wanted to firstly direct the visitor’s attention toward the information in Washington’s quote at the bottom of the poster and gave George Washington and his message the entire lower space. The lower half has a dark background which gives it more gravitas. It has more text which is better put in the lower half because it would overpower the top part.
The quote is from George Washington's Farewell Address in 1796. Washington is warning about a two-party system. Washington preferred a popular sovereignty, which means that the people have the power, but tried to alarm that by implementing parties, despotism may be created. I implemented this quote because Washington was the first president and one of the founding fathers and is an iconic representation of the United States. Since it is common in the U.S. to use documents and quotes from people during the country's creation, displaying Washington should pull interested from a wider audience. Washington also was not part of a political party and, therefore, is a neutral yet powerful person that both sides can appeal to.
At the top of the poster, the text says, "If you want to feel represented, then join the fight for a multi-party system." This is about the fact that within a winner-takes-it-all system, half of the population is not being represented. Two parties can never advocate and represent a whole and diverse country. Using the word “fight” for a multi-party system refers to the fact that changing the American government system will be an uphill battle.
The middle section of the upper part shows symbols and names of the five dominant parties. Based on my research, I choose for each party symbols that represent the party's ideology in very simple visuals. The goal is for people to find it easier to align themselves with a new party if they already associate a symbol and, by that, a belief with it.
The symbols depict:
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A flag as a symbol of patriotism representing the Nationalist Party.
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A pillar as it stands for traditionalism representing the Conservative Party.
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The symbol for the Liberal Party shows a torch standing for change.
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The Labor Party’s symbol includes tools to represent economic prosperity.
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Lastly, the Green Party is represented by the recycling symbol as it stands for the environment and sustainability.
