Rosetta Stone 2025

This photogram, designed in the form of the Rosetta Stone, juxtaposes the inauguration of Donald Trump on Monday, January 20th, 2025, with the historical artefact’s origins as a political tool in 196 BC under King Ptolemy V. The work is composed of newspaper cuttings from The Guardian, The I, and The Daily Telegraph, intentionally selected to showcase the varied political slants of modern media. By linking an ancient decree of power to Trump’s controversial return to the presidency, the piece examines how authority and narrative are constructed and disseminated.

The original Rosetta Stone, commissioned during Ptolemy V’s reign, was inscribed in three scripts—hieroglyphs, Demotic, and Greek—to communicate the king’s divine authority and secure loyalty across diverse linguistic and cultural groups in Egypt. Similarly, this photogram reflects the fractured discourse surrounding Trump’s inauguration by layering clippings from politically divergent newspapers. Each publication offers its interpretation of the event, revealing how contemporary media, like ancient inscriptions, functions as a mediator between power and the public.

The Guardian, with its left-leaning perspective, frames Trump’s presidency through the lens of social justice and progressive values, often highlighting concerns about democracy and the implications of his policies. The I, a centrist and concise outlet, balances skepticism with neutrality, distilling public sentiment and policy consequences. Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph, reflecting conservative viewpoints, emphasizes patriotic fervor and Trump’s appeal to his base. Together, these voices echo the Rosetta Stone’s multilingual inscriptions, illustrating how narratives shift based on their audience and medium.

By invoking Ptolemy V’s use of language to legitimize his rule, the photogram draws parallels between ancient and modern strategies of consolidating power. Both artifacts prompt viewers to question the reliability of their sources and the role of language in shaping history. This work invites a reflection on the enduring relationship between authority, communication, and interpretation, positioning Trump’s inauguration as part of a continuum of political theatre and the struggle to define truth.

£50.00

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