After discussing visual culture in class, I began to realize how much art has influenced everyday visuals that we see. Commercials and advertisements have become such huge productions and in mass quantities. Even art itself has become commercialized through mass printing and using commercialized objects as the subject matter.
People today have become creatures more susceptible to images over literature. Appealing to the population has become easier through the media. Advertisements are borrowing common images seen in art such as Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Andy Warhol’s “Marylin” and “Campbell’s Soup.” Articles are connecting today’s youth with the classical history of art from the past by revamping it with today’s culture. Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” has been recreated with Mona Lisa replaced by Monica Lewinsky. We discussed how Mona Lisa and Monica Lewinsky are tied together with the bond of having a secret. Mona Lisa’s smirk was depicted by Da Vinci but left mystery to the viewer, wondering what she was thinking about. Monica Lewinsky is the modern day Mona Lisa, in the public eye with a secret that everyone seems to know.
Advertisements are also using art to complement their layout. Absolute Vodka ads are very reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s single print of “Campbell’s Soup.” The layout is simple with the object presented in the middle. Minimal shadowing is used around the bottle, emphasizing the bottle. Warhol’s art is commercial because of his use of commercial products. Campbell’s soup is very recognizable; making everyone see beyond just a soup can when it is screen printed onto a canvas.
A big part of visual culture is appealing to the demographics that it is trying to reach. Using art to influence modern day visuals is connecting the past with the present day generation. Comic relief used in today’s visuals pulls in the viewer. By relating past history to present day, visual culture appeals to the new and upcoming demographics.

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