This image of Tiananmen Square is, in my opinion, a performative image. The image rouses so much emotion and socio-historic importance that is has moved away from the realms of simple representation. The picture has an almost spiritual power as it “produces ontological effects”. The image itself represents an entire struggle of the people of China against an oppressive state. The individual struggle has transcended what the “the unknown rebel” was doing and is now an international symbol for resistance. Barbara Bolt says that a performative image occurs “when life gets into the matter of the image, the image produces reality and thus casts its effects back onto the world.” ‘Life’ has definitely entered this image as the rebel is willing to sacrifice his life to show the world and his oppressors the reality and pain of his situation. This performative image has definitely cast its effects back onto the world and symbolises our desire for justice and freedom.

This links in with what Pashers says about creating a dialogue between the image and the user and how the Tiananmen Square image has transcended its status as merely a sign. There is oppression through out our world and this image unites and represents those resisting. In the similar tone to what Annabel says about war propaganda provoking people and therefore being performative. This image is so perfect for what it is representing that it could have been manufactured for propaganda. But the fact that it is real makes the spiritual power and significance worth so much more.