This picture features two young women smiling in front of a scenic landscape in Florence, Italy. Judging by the photograph’s angle, it appears that the selfie was taken using a selfie stick or other similar device. Most of the body of the woman on the left is cut off and only part of the woman's face on the right can be seen. The background features classic Florence landmarks including the Duomo, the Jewish Synagogue, Santa Croce, and the Arno River.
Postmodern discourse is one in which the author or composer is not the main subject of the composition. Instead, an object takes the focus of the frame. As a result, the qualities of this focal object are transferred over to the author. In doing so, the audience is able to gain a better understanding of the character and values of the author through the meaning and presentation of the object.
Last semester I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. During the four months I spent there, I was able to travel to 10 countries and 27 cities. Prior to the semester, I had very limited international travel experience. Having studied Italian in middle school and high school, the connection that I formed to Florence and the Italian culture was truly unbelievable.
In this selfie, the focus of the picture is on the background, rather than my friend and I in the foreground. It is clear that the picture was taken in an attempt to capture the landscape in the background rather than us. As a postmodern selfie, the essence of Florence that is displayed in the background is ultimately transferred to me as the author. It not only represents my attachment to Florence and Italy but also encompasses my passion for travel and sightseeing.
In Frieda Hughes, "Selfie", which we read for class at the beginning of the semester, Hughes criticizes the selfie culture that we are actively engaged with today. In the line "... But forever with your back to it", she is referencing how throughout the poem she mentions many amazing things and sights that people have the opportunity to see but instead are so concerned with photographing them that they miss out on the true experience. Although I can understand Hughes' argument in some instances, for the most part, I think that she is harsh in her criticism. In regards to my own selfie featured above, I would argue that the inclusion of my friend and I adds value to the composition and meaning behind the image. Rather than it being a shot solo of Florence and its beauty, the inclusion of the figures in the foreground allows the viewer to form an association and create more meaning overall.