Big Brother is watching you by Shepard FAIREY

The artist's goal ?

The artist's goal is probably to warn us against the dangers of a surveillance society where the citizens would be constantly spied upon. He wants people to realize that the fundamental freedoms are at stake when the individual is deprived of his capacity to move.

"Big Brother is watching you" by Shepard FAIREY

What is the effect of the low-angle shot ?

The low-angle shot makes us feel very small. We have the impression that we are crushed by what we see. (= We are under the impression that we are crushed by what we see). The sharp colors and the near absence of living creatures create a stifling atmosphere. The society described here appears as a dehumanized society, which is quite scary. We feel extremely ill-at-ease. The omnipresence of the surveillance looks as if a war was raging.

In the bottom left-hand corner, we can see a huge billboard where we can read the following slogan "Big Brother is watching you". We can also notice a huge eye which seems to be looking at the passers-by.

In the bottom right-hand corner of the poster, we can also read the word: "OBEY" which looks like a signature but also like an order.

A war helicopter and a Zeppelin seem to be hovering just like the birds of prey (very unfriendly animals)

Behind the billboard, we can see a watchtower with two people inside. One of them seems to be watching through binoculars. Next to the tower are two huge video cameras pointed at a sort of prison (we can see barbed wire around).

What strikes me here is the use of colours: black elements stand out against the red and orange background.