Monday, July 6, 2015

Semiotics 1

At first glance the "Wall Street Bull," or the "Bowling Green Bowl" as it's sometimes referred to, is a massive bronze sculpture of a seriously ticked off bull. As it turns out, your first glance isn't fooling you. This original piece of guerilla art stands in the Bowling Green Park in the Financial District in Manhattan, New York City and has been attracting world-wide attention since it's installation in 1989.

Originally cast to depict the strength and power of the American people, the sculpture has now perhaps taken on a different meaning given its placement on Wall Street (the Financial District of Manhattan). The argument can now be made that the bull is a depiction of "the energy, strength and unpredictability of the stock market" (Dianne Durante). Much like a bull in the middle of a ring, the stock market constantly takes on these same characteristics; perhaps that is what drives so many individuals to try their luck taming such a beast. The contortion, lowered head and flared nostrils of this bull would scare off any unprepared tourist.

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