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 of 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 Dolce and Gabbana’s image communicates is the inequality of women that is shown through the clothing. Since the coloring gives off a very mechanical feeling, the clothing is very tight and form fitting on three of the women, who are also in a mechanical form. The women on the far left, the one on the table and the woman on the far right are wearing a form fitting dresses that will do more than just show the form of their body. This presents a restriction on women by limiting movement and can be inferred that there is still a limitation on women. The women behind her has on a looser dress, but the dress is a mesh like material which ends up making the dress more proactive. The free form dress allows more movement that can display that some women have achieved positions that allowed for some opportunity for movement.  However, what viewers eventually realize is that the only individual that is not wearing any clothing that is form fitting is the man. This displays male dominance. The male is the only individual that is sitting comfortably, has no clothing on but yet reveals that ultimate power that men have over women just because they are a different sex. 

Finally, considering the positions of every model in the image shows the difference between power and powerless. Power is communicated in this image through physical position. The shirtless male is the only individual that is sitting down in the chair while the women are standing up. This is the first indication of power; the man is sitting in a commanding position while the women are standing.  The women are waiting for the man to give them direction or a command. Also the man is in control of the camera; it shows that the man is directing the women to stand or lay a certain so the camera is focused on the women’s body. Yet, the image is showing that the man is the actually focus in the Dolce and Gabbana image. The male is a symbol for men in power. In saying so, he is the only one deciding what he wants the women to do. 

The true power that is found in an image is not what it displays but what it communicates. Emotions, fears, passions, desires in an image has the ability to stir up the viewer’s perception. Dulce and Gabbana’s image shows the difference in power of males and women through color, clothing and positions. Ultimately, males have more power over women while women tend to take orders for males. The overall message that Dulce and Gabbana are communicating is while there has been a great deal amount of progress for women, what the image is trying to get people to understand is that there is still inequality. 