By Kaitlyn Moran, Art & Media Editor
"kelly salon" capturing the pandemic.
This artwork features a woman walking past a building called Kelly Salon, hence the title. I found this photograph to be unique because it contrasts the realism of basic photography with a cartoonish-propaganda appeal. I found this photograph via the CC Search. This piece is licensed under CC BY 2.0, but it actually originates from susanjanegolding’s Flickr account. The graffiti on the wall shows a woman martial artist that is implied to be staring down at the woman walking on the sidewalk dressed in winter clothing and a mask. This piece could appeal to feminism since the graffiti displays a woman specifically and since there is a woman walking right next to the building from the supposed Kelly Salon. Kelly Salon plays an important factor within this photo because the graffiti and the building could actually be a part of the same business. In the reflection of the window above the sign, you can see that there are more signs as well as more activity going on inside the building. For example, it appears that the woman just got off of work or just left the salon for the day as they began to close up. This could be the case because of the trash bag in the corner of the window.
What caught my eye the most was the detail that was implemented in the business sign. The design is original, but it also feels retro as well. It makes me feel like the design was outdated (or made a long time ago). To me personally, it fits well in this photograph. There’s so much activity going on in this piece, to the point where you can develop a story behind it. As I stated before, my guess was that the woman had just closed shop for the day and is leaving to return home. Another impression this photo had on me was the location, the information on Flickr states that it was created in Chinatown, NY. It can now be determined at this point the photo was captured in Chinatown and Kelly Salon is a local business within that area.
This piece shows that people can continue on with their lives and careers during the pandemic. Even though people are asked to stay home or to avoid going out in general. People still of course go against social distancing guidelines by continuing to go to these businesses. It also benefits local businesses, since they were asked to shut down temporarily. People strive to survive, and that could even be within a hair salon. Despite the pandemic, people still go to salons to pamper themselves. It also provides businesses income. The photograph is practically an embodiment of what it means to survive locally. People need to work to make money, and the pandemic can’t stop them forever. The graffiti symbolizes determination. An urge to strive and continue about your life. A pandemic can’t stop people from slowing down their work or at least it shouldn’t be like that, however, if the virus cases continue spiking, people will be pushed backward and have to resort to benefits like unemployment. The photograph displays the reality that we currently live in almost everywhere. People need to learn to adapt instead of living in disbelief. This specifically ties into false media. An example would be articles insisting Trump has a vaccine ready when in reality there’s still no vaccine. Unrealistic demands are what cause the spread. Not only from the virus, but within the media.
Kaitlyn Moran is an experienced digital artist, photographer, and document editor. She is one of the primary editors for DiN Magazine’s Art and Media section. Her schedule is always booked with productivity outside of work or school. Kaitlyn is currently finishing up her bachelor’s degree in English with a focus in rhetoric, digital media, and professional communication at New Mexico State University.
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