Each of the frames of the Vice 'Phonies' editorial is filled with literary liars. The shots captured by New York City-based photographer Ben Ritter are contemporary re-conceptualizations of these iconic characters. The shoot is styled by Annette Lamothe-Ramos, who matches the character profiles with modern clothing.
The characters are all variations of fake with each of the photographs catching the characters in the middle of a symbolic action. For example, J.D. Salinger's rebellious Holden Caulfield is seen servicing himself to Shakespeare's deadly Lady Macbeth covered in blood. Some of the other inauthentics include Captain Ahab, Jay Gatsby, Huckleberry Finn, Esther Greenwood and Ignatius J. Reilly.
The real life re-imagination of the behaviur of these literary characters, allows the viewer some retrospect on phonies found in their own lives.
Reconceptualized Literary Characters
The Vice 'Phonies' Editorial Captures a Lack of Honesty
Trend Themes
1. Reconceptualized Literary Characters - Opportunity for creating modern and relatable versions of iconic literary characters for storytelling and marketing purposes.
2. Symbolic Visual Storytelling - Disruptive innovation opportunity to use symbolic imagery and unexpected pairings to convey deeper meanings and provoke thought.
3. Exploring Authenticity and Deception - Opportunity to explore the themes of authenticity, deception, and identity through artistic representations of well-known characters.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Styling - Disruptive innovation opportunity to incorporate literary characters into modern fashion and styling, creating unique and relatable concepts.
2. Photography - Opportunity for photographers to explore creative and thought-provoking concepts by reimagining iconic literary characters in modern settings.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Opportunity for marketers and advertisers to leverage the familiarity of iconic literary characters to evoke emotions and engage audiences in storytelling campaigns.