How Does Context Effect the Meaning of a Visual Text? Michelangelos famous Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy (painted circa 1511) Michelangelos fresco Sistine Chapel ceiling: The Creation of Adam How does one symbolic element alter the context of Michelangelos original Adam and God image? How does the cultural and political context change when we arrive at this image? What time period is this image situated in? Touched by His Noodly Appendage (2005) by Swedish artist Niklas Jansson Additional Historical/Political Context to the Flying Spaghetti Monster image: The Flying Spaghetti Monster is the religious symbol (parody) of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster or Pastafarianism. First appeared in a satirical open letter written by Bobby Henderson in The letter was a protest against the decision by the Kansas State Board of Education to permit the teaching of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution in public school science classes. Henderson published the letter on his website and it rapidly became an Internet phenomenon; it is now symbolic for the case against teaching intelligent design in public schools. Adam and the Flying Spaghetti Monster How would you describe the physical context here? - What is the argument here, given the social context? - What concerns/issues does this topic seem to be connected to? - Who is the intended audience? This was my twist on Michelangelo's painting of God and Adam in the Sistine Chapel. God has been replaced by an outlaw biker surrounded by his angels. Adam represents the yuppies of this world. It's in a way, poking fun at the Renaissance artwork and the modern fine-art world, full of snobby art fruits. -Doug from Pratt Institute, NY