Semiotic Analysis

The cultural code for this image is to do with the pop culture as well as society. Rihanna is depicted like Medusa, a famous myth who could turn men to stone by looking at her. A lot of people could agree that Rihanna may have the same kind of power. In music every single is a money maker, she sells out venues all across the world, so although people want to see her rather than not look at her, she still has a lot of power. Her image of bad girl is helped along with the lack of clothes she is seen in, many images of her are clothe-less or very small outfits. Men will stare at this image like Medusa. 

In reality, it is denoted that this is an image of a girl with no top and, a lot of snakes on her head with a demonic look in her eyes. However it is connoted that Rihanna is being a very powerful women, especially to men, to whom this magazine GQ is directed at, she can hold the stare with whomever looks at this image, which is like Medusa.

The text of this image is that sex sells, Rihanna doesn't need clothes to create a style. Although this image is very eye catching and powerful because of the styling. The snakes are mainly reds which is a colour for danger poison and intrigue, she has contacts in like a snake, as if she is part of that danger and intrigue. Her position of her hands, purposely covers her breasts but always brings attention to her eyes which is where, if it was medusa, aren't meant to look. Which is falling into the trap of danger and intrigue. Her facial expression is quite haunting as well, as if she has found someone to latch onto and turn to stone. In this case it would the audience or buyer, which is GQ's intention. Everything in this image is done on person to create a good selling point.

This is an iconic image, Rihanna is styled to look like Medusa. She is also representing powerful and strong women, because of the power Medusa had towards men. Some people would also argue that Rihanna is an iconic women, she is definitely iconic in her style with clothes and hair but in the future she will be remembered as an icon of this generation, for good or bad reasons. Rihanna is very similar to her in that, she can make money of music, but her fans are another source of power and responsibility. The snakes also help her look like Medusa, like the thing she is representing.