Definition Post-Hyperreality

Definition:

- an image or simulation, or an aggregate of images and simulations, that either distorts the reality it purports to depict or does not in fact depict anything with a real existence at all, but which nonetheless comes to constitute reality
-an image or simulation, or an aggregate of images and simulations, that either distorts the reality it purports to depict or does not in fact depict anything with a real existence at all, but which nonetheless comes to constitute reality


Describing Words:

Surreal, heighten, censorship, misdirection

This image represents hyperreality in a way that is presented to the audience through the media. The components of the image feature a typical street setting which features a yellow cab, letting a passanger in as he stairs at a woman causing him to become distracted. The image features a type of scenario which would be depicted in a television setting and is not an accurate representation of the real world. The photographer emphasises this by using iconic imagery such as the yellow taxi, along with the use of attractive people within the image. The colours within the image are dramatically enhanced, causing tones to appear more vivid and oversaturated. This is done to express that the world is not an accurate representation of the real world and it is reminiscent of the way that the media will colour grade images and video in order to heighten the visual representation of the world.

This image shows the influence in which the media has over the world. The image is composed of brands that have become apart of our everyday lives. As far as the eye can see there is an advertisement. This is a reflection on how much of our lives are dictated by the media and how we cannot escape from being exposed to it. The colours featured within the image are extremely bright, each colour is used to draw the audience's attention just as an advert would, taking them away from the details of the real world and only focusing on aspects of the media that are shown within the image.

This image from Cedric Delsaux uses a visually simple setting and uses photo joiner methods in order to make an addition. An AT-AT from Star Wars can be seen within the background moving among the buildings. This image focuses on realism and successfully integrates an iconic object into the real world. This image can also elaborate on the subject of hyperreality as the image appears rather dull through the use of a muted colour pallet and average location. This is done in order to make a comparison between the heightened, fantasy reality of Star Wars and the dull real world. This shows the audience that real life is vastly different to how it is portrayed within the media.

This image depicts one of the most well known examples of hyperreality. What appears to be a fashion shoot of Madonna which has been heavily digitally manipulated. Photoshop has been used in order to airbrush her skin in order to smooth out any wrinkles and make the skin appear healthier. Another technique, referred to as 'dodging and burning' has been used as a means of contouring aspects within the image, causing features such as the nose and jaw to appear more defined. These edited features combine in a way that create an image of someone that society deems attractive, despite being a false representation of the person who is being photographed. This is perhaps the most damaging form of hyperreality, particularly among women and young girls. An unachievable body image is produced by the media which causes the audience to question their own appearances, developing eating disorders and in some cases spending thousands on cosmetic surgery in order to achieve this unachievable look.

Personal Definition:

A reality generated by the media which has influence over the audience's perception of the real world