In the realm of public figures, body language is always seen as a powerful tool not only for transmitting one’s message but also for their image construction, shaping the way one is perceived by the audience. Nonverbal cues often resonate more deeply with individuals than words, significantly influencing interpretation of the orator’s character and motivations. Through deliberate and expressive gestures, public figures can engage and captivate listeners, making their statements more compelling and memorable. Actions speak louder than words, we say – it’s true; but the determination to act (or make others act) is frequently preceded by a recognizable gesture, which, if appropriately chosen and repeatedly and smartly used, has all the chances to become the speaker’s “brand” and remain in the memories of – even several – generations.
Deconstructing the (anti-)hero is a central theme of Zmicer Waynowski’s multidimensional performance and photography-based experiment. In it the artist aims to create an informal aggregated image that encompasses both the polarities of hero as the most respectable and, on the other hand, most despicable characters, inspired by the opinions of around 100 interviewees. Waynowski allows his subjects total freedom in recalling the (anti-)heroes of their choice, without limiting themselves to real historical figures alone.
The photographic component of Waynowski’s research involved visual documentation of the respondents' representations of the (anti-)heroes' figures, with a focus on their emotional body language. Engaging with the final portraits thus opens up an intriguing field for personal interpretations. By examining our initial reactions, we can explore the role of gesture in recognizing (anti-)heroes. How does body language contribute to identifying the figures depicted, and to what extent does it evoke responses? Can gestures alone trigger memories of the (anti-)hero? Are these gestures authentic, inherent to the hero's “brand”, or have they been reinforced and popularized by mass media which contributed to creating firmer associations?
The answers to these and other questions would also differ depending on our personal experience and the cultures we belong to because those inevitably reflect societal norms, values, and communication styles. But the space offered for reflection seems to be both challenging and thought-provoking. What makes a hero and an anti-hero stand out in collective memories? How are they remembered? Should they be remembered? What would it take to make these recollections disappear?
Olga Bubich
