Optics: Visual Culture and Electoral Politics

Images and media profoundly shape how we interpret and navigate the landscape of electoral politics. From campaign posters and graphic identities, like artist Shepard Fairey’s unforgettable design for Barack Obama, to politicians’ self-styled photographs and social media presences—think President Trump trending on both Twitter and Instagram—the visual culture of politics is increasingly complex, and it’s more important than ever to deconstruct it.

Optics: A New Way of Seeing Contemporary Culture is an ongoing series hosted by writer/editor Jillian Steinhauer that invites critics, artists, and imagemakers to analyze the pictures that shape contemporary culture and current events.

This is a free event, but please register in advance. ICP Members have access to preferred seating in our reserved members’ section.

The ICP Museum–public program combination ticket grants $10 entry to the galleries starting at 4:30 PM to those attending the program. Tickets are only available online when you register for the program.