Iconomy: Towards a Political Economy of Images

Imagery has become a powerful force in shaping contemporary life, and this book explores the viral imagery of the pandemic, U.S. Presidents Trump and Biden, Black Lives Matter, and the rise of a "black aesthetic" in white artworlds. Smith argues that the study of iconomy does not require a discipline serving nation-states and globalizing capitalism but a deconstructive interdiscipline that contributes to the politics of planetary world-making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Anthem Press

Iconomy: Towards a Political Economy of Images explores the profound impact of imagery across various aspects of contemporary life. While immersed in public politics and personal imaginations, this imagery operates according to its own logic, potentialities, and limitations. This book delves into the viral imagery associated with the pandemic, U.S. Presidents Trump and Biden, Black Lives Matter, and the emergence of a "black aesthetic" in white artworlds. Coining the term "iconomy" in the years preceding 9/11, Smith argues that its study does not necessitate a discipline solely focused on nation-states and globalizing capitalism but rather a deconstructive interdiscipline that contributes to the politics of planetary world-making.

Introduction:
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary society, images have emerged as a powerful force that shapes our lives in profound ways. From the political sphere to the realm of personal imagination, imagery plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world and influencing our actions. This book aims to explore the multifaceted nature of imagery and its role in shaping our contemporary world.

Viral Imagery:
One of the central themes of this book is the phenomenon of viral imagery. Viral imagery refers to images that quickly gain widespread attention and dissemination through various digital platforms. These images can range from humorous memes to poignant social commentary, and they have the ability to capture the attention of millions of people in a matter of seconds. The study of viral imagery provides valuable insights into the dynamics of social media, the power of storytelling, and the ways in which images can shape public opinion.

Iconopolitics:
Another important aspect of this book is the concept of iconopolitics. Iconopolitics refers to the power of images to shape political discourse and public opinion. Images can be used to promote specific ideologies, ideologies, or political candidates, and they can also be used to undermine or challenge existing power structures. The study of iconopolitics explores the ways in which images are produced, distributed, and consumed, and it examines the ways in which they can influence political outcomes.

The Pandemic:
The pandemic has been a particularly fertile ground for the study of viral imagery. The global spread of COVID-19 has led to a surge in the production and dissemination of images related to the pandemic. These images have ranged from medical illustrations to personal stories of resilience and hope. The study of viral imagery during the pandemic provides insights into the ways in which individuals and communities respond to crises, the role of media in shaping public opinion, and the ways in which images can contribute to public health awareness.

U.S. Presidents Trump and Biden:
The political landscape of the United States has been characterized by a series of viral images associated with U.S. Presidents Trump and Biden. These images have ranged from campaign posters to social media memes, and they have played a significant role in shaping public perception of the two candidates. The study of viral imagery in the context of U.S. politics provides insights into the ways in which political campaigns use images to communicate their messages, the role of media in shaping public opinion, and the ways in which images can influence political outcomes.

Black Lives Matter:
Black Lives Matter is a social movement that emerged in response to the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. The movement has been characterized by a series of viral images that have highlighted the systemic racism and discrimination faced by Black communities. The study of viral imagery in the context of Black Lives Matter provides insights into the ways in which social movements use images to raise awareness, mobilize support, and challenge dominant narratives.

The Rise of a "Black Aesthetic" in White Artworlds:
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the emergence of a "black aesthetic" in white artworlds. This aesthetic has been characterized by a renewed interest in the work of Black artists and a broader recognition of the contributions of Black culture to art history. The study of viral imagery in the context of the rise of a "black aesthetic" provides insights into the ways in which art institutions and art markets are responding to the demands of a more diverse and inclusive art world.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book explores the profound impact of imagery across various aspects of contemporary life. From the viral imagery associated with the pandemic to the iconopolitics of U.S. politics, from the Black Lives Matter movement to the rise of a "black aesthetic" in white artworlds, imagery plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world and influencing our actions. By examining the power of imagery, this book seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate about the role of images in shaping our society and the world.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839984358