Agan Harahap, a photographer and illustrator from Jakarta, Indonesia, has taken the concept of Superheroes and brought them into a pseudo-reality. By incorporating infamous characters into iconic World War II photographs, Harahap  has managed to blur the lines between fiction and truth. In so doing, he has managed to merge the fantastically impossible with our past physical existence, in order to create  a Superhero adorned alternate reality.

Harahap’s latest collection, aptly titled ‘Super Hero’, consists of memorable political and wartime scenes from the mid-20th century, but with one difference: the inclusion of notable Superheroes (or Villains?). This extraordinary combination is a true juxtaposition in effect.

With respect to the current global economic crisis, Harahap’s work could not come at a more fortuitous time. Coincidentally, the advent of the Superhero, according to Douglas Hyde (2009), was largely spurred on by the Great Depression and the start of World War II. As a result, comic books and superheroes were said to offer an ‘escapist form of entertainment’, where people could “go into a fantasy world where all the ills of the world were righted by these larger-than-life heroes” (Erin Clancy, 2009).

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Subsequently, audiences at large are once again returning to the warm embrace of costumed Superheroes, with movies based on comic books generally becoming box office leaders. This trend, the resurgence of the popularity of Superheroes, may be a reflection of the current global economic crises. Clancy would agree citing “the comic book superhero came out of a context in which the political, social and economic realties were a little tough and we can certainly relate to those realities now in our own day” (2009).

Superheroes are back people and they are stronger than ever!

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

To your left, you will see a blogging accolade, of sorts. Yes, that is correct Millieunairs, someone thought my blog was good enough to receive a ‘Kreative Blogger’ award *lets out an unintentional squeal of joy*.

It turns out that the person who nominated me was none other than the awesomely hilarious Louisa. She nominated Hans’ Milieu as one of her favourite creative blogs! Thank you very much Lou, you rock!

7 Things Meme

As part of accepting the award, I have to list the following:

7 things I love:

1. Getting to into a clean, crisp & well made bed. Best part? Slowly easing myself into the cool depths of silk-like cotton, which caresses my skin, while my body creates rippled creases.
2. Curling up with a good book, particularly when it rains and it is overcast and cloudy.
3. Liquids, any and all. I love examining different kinds of liquids, how they move and react to different stimuli as well as experimenting with a liquids viscosity.
4. The Internet. I had to include it. Being able to access, use and distribute information, from any location and about practically any topic is simply incredible.
5. Exercising, particularly weight lifting. I love the feeling of being ‘pumped’ and knowing that your body is growing and becoming stronger! Yeah!
6. Buttered toast, the smell and the taste… *begins salivating*.
7. Last, but by no means least; my parents, family and friends.

7 blogs I love:

1. Louisa123
2. the life of i
3. Wic’s Blabber Corner
4. Kotaku
5. Engadget
6. Game Politics
7. Buzz Feed

I must confess, I do not really follow or read many personal blogs. I do, however, view a lot of websites and blogs which are driven by technology, social media, games and anything else which tickles my fancy.

Any of the blogs I have mentioned are welcome to nominate other blogs and play a long!

Music Monday

• Flavour: Pop

• Artist: Miley Cyrus

• Album: Breakout

• Song: 7 Things

Rationale: My personal favourite on the album is ‘Fly on the Wall’, although most of the songs are actually pretty good. Granted it is standard pop fare, but she can actually sing!

“Breakout is possibly the most generic title this set of songs could have, but it expresses the album’s purpose nicely: Miley sheds the confines of her Hannah Montana image for an identity that is just as stylized and calculated as her alter ego. As with all Disney music, nothing has been left to chance. Breakout hits all the marks that a 2008 pop album should, right down to a dance remix and a song about saving the environment; cunningly, "Wake Up America" is one of the album’s catchiest moments” – Heather Phares courtesy of All Music Guide (Zune.net, 2009)

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!