This recent print ad by Nescafe repurposes Grant Wood's painting to demonstrate a product benefit. Indeed, one might see this ad as an exemplification of Rosser Reeve's seminal concept known as the Unique Selling Proposition. The self-replicating power of Grant Wood's imagery is seen anew.
This painting has found many applications in advertising. Perhaps the best is this 1963 commercial for Country Corn Flakes.
There is a fine line in parody where homage can become ridicule. The secret of this commercial is the creators knew the difference between celebration and cynicism.
Memes have magical powers, if you know what you are doing.
Copyright © 2014 by John Eighmey. All Rights Reserved.
