Running head: New Yorker Magazine cover

New Yorker Magazine Cover Analysis

Jack R. Zimmerman
Madonna University

New Yorker Magazine cover

Magazine covers are truly a beautiful and interpretive form of artwork. The reader has the
ability to make their own conclusions and theories for what they think the piece represents. The
New Yorker is world renowned for their representative artwork and thought provoking cover
pages. In this article I will be covering the broken arch. This edition was released on December
8th 2014. The work was done by artist Bob Staake. The cover has an image of the arches of St.
Louis. The arch is broken and disconnected at the peak height. The left side of the image is
depicted with pure white buildings. The right side of the image is depicted with black buildings
and a black arch. The city is in front a beautiful lake that is perfectly still and tranquil. The sky is
a perfect shade of light blue, with a few small clouds floating in the distance. The image has a
clear distinction between the shades of light and dark. The image is equally divided, and the
separation between the two sides is very sharp. The cover also displays the silhouettes of the St.
Louis skyline. The magnitude of the arch is also displayed in the picture. The stainless steel
beams represent the tallest manmade monument in the western hemisphere. In the direct center
of the page is a government building. The building is separated directly down the middle, with
one side being black and the other being white.
Using the method I am able to see patterns of repetition and contrast. This allows me to
reach the essential concept of the picture. There are multiple strands that repeat in the Broken
Arch. The Gateway arch is perfectly divided down the center. It has equal height and depth on
each side of the image. Another aspect of repetition are the waves in front of the city. It appears
very calm and innocent. The waves are identical and symmetrical with each other. Upon further
inspection the viewer also notices strands that are similar but not exactly alike. The buildings on
the left hand side of the image are smooth and squared at the top. They are lower in comparison

New Yorker magazine cover

with the dark side of the image. The buildings on the right side are tall and sharp. They have
pointed peaks and dark shadows that appear distinct and ominous. The lines and architecture of
the buildings show the contrast between innocence and intimidation. Lastly, there is a clear
display of binary opposites in this cover. The most prominent is the concept of white against
black. The colors stand out to the viewer because the colors magnify and balance out the
intensity of on another. The arch is not connected at the top which provokes the viewer into
seeing a divide within the image. The picture is elegant, clean, and it has many crisp lines and
shapes.
This magazine was published on December 8th 2014. This was a very important time in
St Louis and the United States. On August 9th 2014, Michael Brown was shot and killed by a
police officer in Ferguson Missouri (Pelosi). Ferguson is a predominately black neighborhood
just outside the city. Brown was an eighteen year old black male. The officer that killed him was
a twenty seven year old white male. There were plenty of disputes about the shooting. Brown
was unarmed and eye witnesses claim that he had his hands above his head. The facts about the
shooting were blurry and controversial. The officer was pronounced not guilty in the court of
law. This led to a public outrage. Many people viewed the case as the hostility the American
government has for the African American community. Roads where filled with rioters and stores
were being looted by angry citizens. The city had a clear divide between law enforcement and
the public. Many believed the verdict was a horrible injustice; others believed that the courts had
done their job. The city, and the nation, where in shambles during this tumultuous time. The
artist behind this work, Bob Staake, is also from St Louis. This gives us an emotional and
personal connection to the image. This background knowledge allows the viewer to comprehend

New Yorker magazine cover

the contrast between dark and light. The division of the city is similar to the division within the
image. The timing and contrast of this cover allow the reader to make interpretations about what
Staake believes is happening in his hometown.
Using the knowledge of the time period, and the repeating and binary clues, the viewer is
able to make comprehensive and plausible conclusions about the artwork. The dark side of the
image represents anger and mistrust that the American people are feeling. The darkness
represents the impurities of the world. The right side of the image is defined by the people who
feel mistreated and abused by of our justice system. This explains the pointed and direct aspects
of the artwork. The light side of the cover represents the government and law enforcement. This
is symbolic of purity and innocence. It appears as though the government is attempting to hang
on to their untarnished reputation, by making the people believe that the correct decision was
made. The battle between light and dark has been represented for thousands of years. It is
symbolic of the fight between good and evil. The government represents the good of the situation
and the outraged citizens represent the bad of the situation. This is especially evident when the
viewer notices the direct division of the government building in the center of the page. This
represents the American peoples contrasting thoughts on what the government does for them.
Some people believes they are being systematically racist and hostile towards African
Americans. Other people believe in their leaders and trust the judicial system that has been in
place for hundreds of years. This provides a clear contrasts in the thoughts of the American
people.
I believe that the most important aspect of the cover is the division the arches. St Louis
has been known as the gateway of the Midwest. Its geographical location places it in the direct

New Yorker magazine cover

center of the country. It has long been represented as the heart of America. It is the bridge that
connects the west and the east. Its blue collar attitude and toughness represent the glue that
connects this country together. The Gateway Arches give the nation a lasting image of the heart
of the country. Their unity and togetherness represent the bond that all citizens share. The artist
uses the gap in the arches to represent the differences between each side of the situation. I
believe that he is hoping for the connection of the two parties. The viewer is intended to have a
positive approach toward the image. It is viewed as a sign of hope rather than despair and
separation. If the people can come together and resolve their difference the arch will once again
be able to connect and unite the people. I believe that there is a peaceful ending to the conflict.
The bridge can be formed and the country can be united and prosperous.
Using clues from repetition and binary opposites I was able to come to the conclusion of
what this cover represented. The artist wants the viewer to understand the division between law
enforcement and the citizens. The country was separated and outraged during this time period
and this cover depicts the differences between each party. The gap is symbolic of a gap that
needs to be bridged in order to regain the unity of the county. We should not have a black and a
white divide, we should have perfect unison and love across our entire nation. That is my
depiction of The Broken Arches, by Bob Staake.

Works cited

PELOSI -- statement on grand jury decision regarding the shooting of michael brown. (2014). ().
Lanham: Federal Information & News Dispatch, Inc. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1627756272?accountid=27927