Icon's through time

Although the term "icon" is associated with different meanings, it is clear to see that they have changed over time. What people might perceive today as an "icon" e.g. Madonna, is completely different to what people would have chosen as an "icon" say 50 years ago e.g. Mahatma Ghandi.
Unfortunately not only is it the hero's who gain "iconic" recognition, but it is also those labelled the "villains" who get themselves an iconic status e.g. Jack the Ripper
I think it's fair to say that in most people's opinion the term "icon" is a positive word which describes a human being, in a positive way for the things which they have done over time.


Icon's of the past 
Take Martin Luther King Jr for example, an American clergyman and the leader of the African American civil rights movement. In 1964 Martin Luther King, Jr received a Nobel Peace Prize, making him the youngest ever receiver of the reward - for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil obedience and other nonviolent means. Not only did he achieve iconic status for the things which he did for the African people of America, but also for the way he presented himself, and the way he took charge and didn't let anything phase him.

Above is a (rather long) video of Martin Luther King Jr's most famous speech titled "I have a dream". This speech is one of the most famous speech's of all time which outlines all of Martin Luther King's ambition's for America.

Already King was becoming known as an Icon for African Americans, and many other races around the world, but it was his assassination on April 4th 1968, which really upped his iconic status.

Above are two images of Martin Luther King, which could be strong possibilities in terms of appropriating the image. Although the idea of using thousands of people in a crowd could be extremely difficult, it could be really effective, with the fact that you could take the pose of Martin Luther King, and recreate it with a different setting as the background, but the whole time making sure that the idea of the image is still focused around Martin Luther King and the things which he achieved in his lifetime.

Audrey Hepburn is another popular example of a famous "icon", but for very different reasons to that of Martin Luther King Jr. Hepburn is best know for her acting and modelling skills, and is most famous for her all time popular film "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Her classic style is known all over the world as the typical style of Audrey Hepburn, with the black dress, high hair style, and classic pearls. Audrey Hepburn has had many images taken of her in her time, as she also worked as a model for a few years before she made it as an actress. Below is one of her most well known images, and also of Paris Hilton interpreting it herself.

With Audrey Hepburn being one of the most Iconic women of her time, I would have assumed that image appropriation had already occurred with some of her previous pictures. But research has shown that not many of her images have been recreated, and infact all I could find was the image above with Paris Hilton. I'm sure magazines and newspapers have all had a go at recreating the Hepburn pictures, but I think as a group we could create a great appropriated image in the style of audrey Hepburn.

Icons of the Present

With people from the past being known as the most "iconic" people of all time, it takes a lot of work for new and upcoming celebrities to become "icons".

One example of a young female who has achieved "iconic" status is Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is an American singer-songwriter. Inspired by glam rock artists like David Bowie and Queen, as well as pop singers such as Madonna and Michael Jackson, Gaga is well-recognized for her extravagant sense of style as a recording artist, in fashion, in performance and in her music videos.

Throughout her time in the music industry Lady Gaga has pulled off some fantastic, but risky outfits, whether these are for her music video's, performances or even award ceremonies. With dresses made of police tape, lace, masking tape and even real meat. All of her outfits are created to make a statement, and it's these, along with her outstanding music which really make her known as an icon.

All of the above images are popular images of lady Gaga, which can all be possible styles for appropriating our images. The bottom image is of Nicole Richie, as she copies Lady Gaga's classic pose, with the use of similar hair style, jewellery and colour scheme. Although very basic, and only uses a few props it is very effective, because of the bold use of colour and the clashing pink and gold detailing against the pink background, and the addition on Gaga's hair colour.

-Beth-