Dec

22

Nelson Mandela’s Lasting Image

Since his death in 2013, Nelson Mandela has achieved icon status. Why is his image so ubiquitous, reproduced everywhere from tourist kitsch to high art?

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Oct

02

Did “A Star is Born” Make Judy Garland a Gay Icon?

One scholar argues that Judy Garland’s role in A Star is Born was so pivotal because it involved both gender impersonation and “racial drag.”

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Jun

24

What “Smoke Signals” Means 20 Years Later

This groundbreaking film was the first movie to be written, directed, co-produced, and acted by Native Americans.

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May

27

How Ellen DeGeneres Changed TV

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres publicly came out on her show, Ellen. It was a cultural turning point for many.

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Mar

23

Why “Queer Eye” Still Matters

Underneath the home and personal makeovers, is “Queer Eye” political?

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Sep

01

Beyoncé, the Virgin Mary, and the Power of Imagery

Why did Beyoncé pose as the Virgin Mary in her pregnancy and birth announcements? Learn about her art historical referents and iconic portraiture here.

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Oct

20

Viral Videos and the Presidential Campaign

How do viral videos shape a presidential campaign? How do voters learn to “read” the art and advertisements they are seeing? Learn more from the scholars studying just this.

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Jun

16

Fridolatry: Frida Kahlo and Material Culture

Frida hats, and packs, and slacks, oh my! Find out how Frida Kahlo used material culture to construct her identity — and how material culture has iconicized her image in return.

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