PPS#49 National Geographic - Selected Covers I

June 10th, 2020

Dear Patient Reader,

National Geographic - Selected Covers I

National Geographic in its form of research are no less than innovative. Since 1888, writers, photojournalists, and the people they interview and photograph have contributed to the inspiring accounts we read about. By expanding their reach through different platforms such as Nat Geo, Overheard (podcast), and their monthly magazines, National Geographic revolutionised accessibility to information about places, cultures, and people who we would otherwise never know about.

Yellow as Knowledge

An iconic yellow border since 1910, the yellow rectangle represents a photo frame. A common use of colour meaning that has successfully stood the test of time. The colour yellow represents the sun without which life on earth would not exist.

National Geographic cover, August 1999

A special issue on the eve of the millennium looked at the emergence of a new world culture. A well-educated, technologically savvy, global cosmopolis shared by elites around the world. The cover features a photograph of biochemist Nakshatra Reddy from Mumbai, who preferred wearing traditional clothing. While her daughter Meghana Reddy, a model, donned and was more comfortable in a catsuit of her own design. A photograph which typified this trend.

National Geographic have always created conceptual content through visual representation. In this case, the socio-cultural and technological development of the onset of the year 2000. Which was in the midst of newly-emerging and developing countries and their elite classes. In the time nearing the millennium, of creating an unprecedented interconnectivity and exposure to supply and demand. The popular nature of a consumerist and capitalist culture.

Image

1 Millennium Supplement: Culture. Vol. 196, No.2. August 1999. Photograph by Joe McNally

2 Vol. 167, No.6. June1985. Iconic cover known as the ‘Afghan Girl’ featuring the captivating portrait of then 17 year old, Sharbat Gula. Photograph by Steve McCurry