The difference between art and a simple image is how many times a viewer constantly looks at the overall message. Art causes viewers to have different perspectives and views on an image. Some might think that the Dolce and Gabbana image above is just an advertisement for their clothes, while others may think differently given that such an image is not just a snapshot taken in the studio. Dolce and Gabbana is one of the most well-known clothing brands around the world; known for stunningly stylish clothing and haute couture fashion. However, what most people do not realize is that Dolce and Gabbana are also known for their controversial advertisements. Often found in fashion magazines the images presented often illicit emotion from the viewer. While many people often prefer to see women in positions of power or influence, Dolce and Gabbana chooses to present more controversial issues that question equality, oppression, sex and often the relationships between men and women. Although few people would argue against the fact that women have made tremendous gains in society, Dolce and Gabbana often choose to exhibit images of women that call into question the degree to which women have achieved equality in society. One of the most effective ways that Dolce and Gabbana questions the equality of women can be seen in the advertisements. Using such visual techniques as the contrasting images, poses, colors, lighting and pulling the eye of the viewer, the creator of the image ultimately calls into the question how equal women really are in society and how much further they need to go.    

A key element that makes an image is the color. Color creates emotion, a sense of desire or disgust and depending on which color is chosen can impact the entire feel o the image. In the background, there is bright white light; the light is pure, clear, clean and without a blemish. Without contrast such clean, bright light can represent a women’s purity. Also the white lighting causes the image to look dull and but yet clean at the same time. The objectified lighting makes it easy for the viewers to see that the models are focusing on one thing, which is the girl lying on the table. Everyone in the image is wearing black, which ends up contrasting with the white lighting. The black clothing make the women stand out while the male in the picture is shirtless. A shirtless man shows power, usually women give into great looking, shirt-less guys. For the women it is a sense of weakness. The black and white coloring makes the image look metallic and mechanical. The colors and the background make it seem like the models are in a doctor’s office or a hospital. Hospitals are very sanitary, but the image shows a women’s legs wide open, portraying a dirty feel to the image.

 Another element that communicates the inequality of women is the clothing. Since the coloring gives off a very mechanical feeling, the clothing is very tight and form fitting. The women on the far left is wearing a form fitting dress that will do more than just show the form of her body. The women behind her has a looser dress on, but the dress is a mesh like material which ends up making the dress more proactive. The women on the table has a short flowy dress on that is short and tight enough to show some of her body. The women laying on the table shows a huge aspect of the image. The whole image is centered on the camera focusing on her body, which shows an inequality of women. The man in the chair is naked but still wearing sunglasses. The women in front of him is wearing a decently covered dress. Since she is next to the naked man, it could come off as she is second in command. 

Finally, considering the positions of every model in the image shows the difference between power and powerless. The naked male in the chair is the only one sitting down. He is also in control of the camera which shows male dominance. Viewers know that men are in fact in charge. The women to his right is standing straight up in a power position. She is making sure that the camera is does not go anywhere but on the other women’s body. This action shows an exploitation of females and the difference that females have a uterus and males do not. The other two women on the left are slowly hunched over to make the reassurance that the camera is on the only women on the table and her body parts. 

