Sturken and Cartwright define pastiche as "an imitation that announces itself as such and that involves combining elements from other sources." (Sturken and Cartwright, 328). In honor of the new season of Game of Thrones, the photo I used was of Robert Stark a.k.a. "King of the North".
This image of Rob Stark clearly is a pastiche of the 2008 Barack Obama campaign poster- they use the same text, the same colors, and it even represents a similar politically aimed meaning. There is no way anyone could mistake this as an original work of art, at least not in the U.S. where this particular photo of Obama is iconic of him, his campaign, and for the notion of "America" given the colors. This is a mix of a iconic pop culture image -Robert Stark from Game of Thrones- with another iconic political image- President Obama- to form this new image that still bears similar meaning to the original because of it's iconic value and context. Rob Stark is attempting to gain the throne and become king- similarly to Obama and his (successful) attempt to become president. Thus, creating a "layered intertext between the two works" that allows us to enjoy the new image for its usage of the old. (331).
However, there is not intention of "making fun" of President Obama in this photo- as if often seen within parody's. Parody's are within the same category pastiche- but only in the circumstance that the pastiche, "engage in reworking elements of the past". (329). One such film that does this would be Monty Python and the Holy Grail- which "parodies" the historical story of the Arthurian legend of King Arthur's quest for the holy grail. The film turns medieval customs and historical events more satirical- such as making fun of the "The Brave Sir Robin", who is is serenaded by his minstrel whom is calling him a coward for running away from a battle. Not very brave of him.
Though pastiche and parody's are not wholly original, it would seem that the new images formed derive there own meaning and truth, even if from the base of another image or work.
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