Design analysis methods and applications

¶ … Smashing Pumpkins' album, "Zeitgeist," is a sketch of the Statue of Liberty, strewn with red in the sky and sea, standing thigh-deep in red water. Considering the name of the album, the picture of the Statue of Liberty is obviously not intended to represent full-fledged patriotism, but rather a critique on patriotism all together. With the use of colors, the title of the album, as well as the background and foreground images, the message and symbolism of this album cover can be translated into something deeper than a mere image of a red Statue of Liberty. It is a representation of the Smashing Pumpkins' interpretation of the zeitgeist of our nation.

Though the Statue of Liberty stands as a symbol of American patriotism and freedom, the depiction of Lady Liberty on the album cover gives a vague feeling of foreboding. In reality, the statue stands on an island, representing hope and freedom for those desiring a better life. From an immigrant's point-of-view, Lady Liberty's symbolism is meant to act as, "an inspiration for American pride, and the utter power and grace of her posture have given the United States a symbolic mascot that will forever display the power, wealth, and freedom of this great nation," (http://library.thinkquest.org/20619/Stsym.html). She stands on an island, alone in her stance as a form of salvation with her beacon of light as a form of hope for immigrants. At least, that is what Lady Liberty is meant to inspire. However, since so many immigrants are now being rejected, the belief is that Lady Liberty can no longer welcome as many people with open arms as she once did. Since the album cover does not depict the Statue of Liberty in the same light she usually is in, the improvised Statue of Liberty shows that something is different; something has changed with Lady Liberty, therefore something has indeed changed with the United States since the Statue of Liberty acts as a direct representation of our nation.

On the album cover, the Statue of Liberty is standing in the sea, as opposed to standing on Liberty Island, like she is supposed to do. At the outset, standing in the water could have the appearance of sinking in the water, which gives an impression of burden and trouble -- being weighed down. Perhaps Lady Liberty has taken on too much, or has let in too many immigrants to take care of. People often use the expression of feeling like they are drowning when they are overwhelmed, which is what the thigh-deep statue on the cover could be representing. Likewise, sea water is also a representation of "promise and life," http://www.presepenapoletano.it/rivista/anno2_n4/simbolismo_acqua_3%20parte_eng.htm). This is very much like the symbolism that the Statue of Liberty portrays; she gives the promise of a new life for immigrants. Unfortunately, this symbol of promise seems to be overtaking her, which supports the idea that Lady Liberty, or America, is being weighed down with these hopes and promises. The nation cannot live up to all of the dreams of every immigrant, so it is weighed down with unfulfilled promises. In addition, the overriding color of the water is what taints Lady Liberty's image even further.

The color red acts as a strong representation of turmoil for this album cover. Red is known as a symbol of intensity. The clouds, sky, and even water are strewn in various shades of red. Though the Statue of Liberty still shines bright among the color, even she is strewn with this dominant shade. It could be interpreted as a representation of blood and violence; however, red can also be a representation of love and passion. The explanation of the color depends on the subject matter and where it has come from: "Color is important in art and in various cultures around the world. People of the world see color differently," (http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/color2.htm). Considering the subject matter is based in the western world, the color red more than likely represents "power and aggression," since this is the typical view of western culture. With the bright reds dominating the entire picture, the impression is that the freedom and hope, which the Lady of Liberty offers, is made at a high price. People's liberty have been won through violence or force. Despite the color of red overwhelming the picture, throughout the sea and skies of this hue, the Statue of Liberty still stands with the glow of the sun behind her back.