The Media Swirl: Politics, Audiovisuality, and Aesthetics

The Media Swirl by Carol Vernallis explores short-form audiovisual media to understand digital media, analyzing music videos by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Janelle Monáe, Kendrick Lamar, and Anderson .Paak to show how sound and image enhance each other and shape a viewer's mood. It responds to the political-media landscape and emphasizes the importance of media literacy to engage with the democratic commons.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

The modern media landscape is expanding rapidly, with an array of captivating content ranging from fan-generated videos on TikTok to music videos, and even short sequences from renowned films like The Great Gatsby. In her book, The Media Swirl, Carol Vernallis delves into the world of short-form audiovisual media, exploring a wide range of examples such as Beyoncés Lemonade, TikTok challenges, YouTube mashups, commercials, and many more. Through meticulous analysis, Vernallis examines how sound and image work together to enhance a viewers mood, providing insights into the artistic choices made by artists like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Janelle Monáe, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and others.

Furthermore, Vernallis responds to the contemporary political-media landscape by discussing topics such as Fox News and Presidential inaugurations. She emphasizes the importance of media literacy that extends beyond traditional news broadcasts and campaign advertising, as it is crucial for engaging with the democratic commons. Vernallis also incorporates forays into industry studies, neuroscience, and ethics to enrich her readings and offer a comprehensive understanding of the media's impact on society.

By creating our own content and being aware of the actions of corporations, the wealthy, and the government through media, Vernallis believes that we can contribute to creating a more just world. The Media Swirl is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the vast and ever-evolving landscape of digital media and its profound influence on our lives.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478016427