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The Photograph

"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
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Introduction:

My photo
Current: Danbury, CT, United States
Welcome! A few years ago, I discovered an application that artists employ in their works to bring cultural awareness to their audiences. Having discerned this semiotic theory that applies to literature, music, art, film, and the media, I have devoted the blog, "Theory of Iconic Realism" to explore this theory. The link to the publisher of my book is below. If you or your university would like a copy of this book for your library or if you would like to review it for a scholarly journal, please contact the Edwin Mellen Press at the link listed below. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for visiting. I hope you will find the information insightful. ~ Dr. Jeanne Iris

Announcements:

I have demonstrated or will demonstrate the application of this theory at the following locations:

2023-24: I am writing my third book on iconic realism.

April 2022: American Conference for Irish Studies, virtual event: (This paper did not discuss Sydney Owenson.) "It’s in the Air: James Joyce’s Demonstration of Cognitive Dissonance through Iconic Realism in His Novel, Ulysses"

October, 2021: Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT: "Sydney Owenson’s use of sociolinguistics and iconic realism to defend marginalized communities in 19th century Ireland"

March, 2021: Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, North Carolina: "Sydney Owenson (Lady Morgan): A Nineteenth Century Advocate for Positive Change through Creative Vision"

October, 2019: Elms College, Chicopee, Massachusetts: "A Declaration of Independence: Dissolving Sociolinguistic Borders in the Literature of Sydney Owenson (Lady Morgan)"

27 November, 2018

Art and Emily Dickinson



(calligraphy is from Dickinson's "The Soul selects Her Own Society," 
"My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close" and "Presentiment")
Click here to see Artists' Project

by Emily Dickinson

Calligraphy Translation: 
The soul selects her own society,
Then shuts the door;
On her divine majority
Obtrude no more.
Unmoved, she notes the chariot's passing
At her low gate;
Unmoved, 
an emperor kneeling
Upon her mat.
I've known her from an ample nation
Choose one;
Then close the valves of her attention
Like stone.
I never saw a Moor
My life closed twice before its close;
It yet remains to see
If immortality unveil
A third event to me,
So huge, so hopeless to conceive,
As these that twice befell.
Parting is all we know of heaven,
And all we need of hell.
Presentiment---is that long shadow---on the lawn---
Indicative that sun goes down---
The notice to the startled grass
That darkness---is about to pass---

By displaying the countenance of this reclusive poet in the midst of so many cultural icons, these two artists, Huang Xiang and William Rock, illustrate iconic realism of Emily Dickinson's poetry. In this painting by William Rock and the calligraphic representation by Huang Xiang, the iconic presence of Emily Dickinson's simplicity in connection with this honorable position illustrates her impact on human consciousness and the importance for humanity to look inward. Indeed, through her darkness, enlightenment has come to many. The use of blue and purple bring to mind the spirituality that surrounds this poet's expression: in her eyes, around the 'upper floor' of her mind and in her heart.

09 August, 2018

United States Constitution: First Amendment Rights Expressed

Amendment I of the United States Constitution
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

With humble gratitude to our insightful forefathers, we citizens of the United States of America have the right to express ourselves in a public domain. A few years ago, I was viewing an entertaining site on Youtube, the Shaytards, and I was struck by the intensity of the father of this family, discussing his religious belief in a calm, normal speaking voice in the middle of a department store. He was simply posting his daily entry to his site. It was inspiring to see and an excellent example of iconic realism.

Below is the demonstration:
1. An iconic figure (the head of a nuclear family, a father), expressed his Christian beliefs to his viewers.
2. The iconic figure in the midst of a realistic setting, not usually associated with this icon. (He expressed himself in the middle of a department store, as he shopped, not the usual place for such a discussion.)
3. This placement represents a needed cultural transformation. (He was exercising his 1st Amendment right to express himself freely, as guaranteed by our Constitution.)

Click on the site below to view this discussion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgwodehtWEI

With so many individuals being silenced by some corporations that run major social websites, I have to wonder if the CEOs of these corporate bullies have ever read the U.S. Constitution. 

01 August, 2018

Tyree Guyton's 'Heidelberg Project' and Iconic Realism (Click this title to view more information)

Tyree Guyton, photo from Google Images

Soles of Detroit photo from Google Images

A while ago, I was channel surfing and happened upon a series of shows on the Green Planet channel entitled, "Detroit in Overdrive." Well, having been born and raised in the fine Motor City, I just had to watch these shows. And they brought tears to my eyes. One particular story, which focused on Tyree Guyton's Heidelberg Project, immediately struck me, for it was a perfect demonstration of iconic realism. Thank you, Tyree! 

Mr. Guyton has assembled a collection of iconic items that many people had discarded, including houses in his neighborhood. He applies his artistic talent to breathe life into the objects while simultaneously illustrates to those blessed with viewing this project with an awareness of possibility. He has turned blight into right! His juxtaposition of trash turned into art in the midst of a forgotten and neglected neighborhood demonstrates the cultural renaissance that is taking place in Detroit through the creative perseverance of dedicated individuals. 

Another fascinating aspect of this project centers on shoes. Mr. Guyton has collected shoes of all shapes and sizes, restored and newly painted by the members of the community. He has arranged those works of art in the middle of a street, providing his audience with an awareness of Detroit's restored soles as a visual testimony of the soulful restoration that occurs when dedication to the creativity and energy of a community transforms that community's heart and vitality. God bless you, Tyree Guyton! Onward!

13 February, 2018

New York City Graffiti and Iconic Realism





All of above photos from Google Images

Recently, it was brought to my attention that graffiti would be an excellent example of iconic realism, and I completely agree.  Here, you will see some examples of graffiti found around New York City. If you look closely, you will notice the juxtaposition of iconic ideals with cynicism, reflecting a consciousness present in an inner city truth, painted on the exterior walls of buildings in one of the world's most relevant cities, New York City, New York. These art renderings bring into focus significant dichotomies within our society.