This is an image of the Wall Street Bull which was created by Arturo Di Modica in New York in 1989. It now stands in Bowling Green Park and clearly makes a statement as it is placed within yards of where the old statue of King George III on horseback that celebrated the Declaration of Independence. The sculpture even withstood the attacks of 9/11. It was constructed right after the stock market crash in front of the New York Stock Exchange as a symbol of the strength and power of the American people.
The Signifier
With its flared nostrils, sharp horns, muscular body, and curved tail the bull is ready to charge. When I first saw the image, I recognized the angry position and stance of the bull. It seems as if in motion with very unpredictable energy. Something has caused its aggressive behavior and it will not stand for anymore. The bull decides to use force to relay a message.
The Signified
The bull still represents power and strength of the people. Even today we are still suffering from a weak stock market and banks are not taking as many risks as before to be able to help businesses. They cannot increase their revenue due to regulators who don't like taking risks. Banks have reduced the leverage in half and now have to pay more to fund themselves because of regulatory fees. To me, the bull represents the banks. Just like the banks, the bull started out in a wide pasture to run around where the barbed wire was far away, and now that the barbed wire is so close, there is not enough room to move around leaving the bull enraged. Businesses as well as banks, are too regulated and are becoming frustrated with the system. It is just a matter of time before their anger is released in this unpredictable market.
The Signifier
With its flared nostrils, sharp horns, muscular body, and curved tail the bull is ready to charge. When I first saw the image, I recognized the angry position and stance of the bull. It seems as if in motion with very unpredictable energy. Something has caused its aggressive behavior and it will not stand for anymore. The bull decides to use force to relay a message.
The Signified
The bull still represents power and strength of the people. Even today we are still suffering from a weak stock market and banks are not taking as many risks as before to be able to help businesses. They cannot increase their revenue due to regulators who don't like taking risks. Banks have reduced the leverage in half and now have to pay more to fund themselves because of regulatory fees. To me, the bull represents the banks. Just like the banks, the bull started out in a wide pasture to run around where the barbed wire was far away, and now that the barbed wire is so close, there is not enough room to move around leaving the bull enraged. Businesses as well as banks, are too regulated and are becoming frustrated with the system. It is just a matter of time before their anger is released in this unpredictable market.
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