This image, operating in a representational mode of transmission, is initially positive when reading only the soft paper texture, flower print, and calm blue background. But as I spend a little time with this image, it becomes more and more negative. The angle and the crop betray a positive perception; the focus is primarily on the metal hardware and electrical cord, things that one usually tries to hide for fear that any indication of how the latern really works will ruin its magical ambiance. Revealing and highlighting these parts in this way seems to convey that this lantern is a superficial facade. That the warm, ethereal glow that it gives in the darkness is an illusion, and the reality is merely a mass produced $10 item from Biglots; made in china from plastics that abrade carcinogenic heavy metals; designed to become obsolete in a few years; destined for landfill. The fact that the lamp is turned off and light by some other florescent-looking source, only adds to this feeling. Now the blue background is more nauseating than calming as it seems an unnatural setting for this object.
Noise is a big factor here. What ever ancient mystery and beauty this lantern once possessed is lost when representing it as a modern store-bought item.
grant, your interpretations of this postcard are really quite interesting.
the original intent of this postcard was positive, yet. . . due to your remarkable evaluation of the subject matter, i do believe that you should be in sales! what an interesting take on the subject matter. i do agree that the crop is a bit unflattering in that it is capturing an idea or subject opposite the attributes of the lamp. the hardware, the wiring, and the obvious "store-bought" quality of the artifact seem to be overpowering the original intent of the object.
the lack of warm glow from the lamp and artificial lighting really do give a quite different feel to the overall representation of the lamp. certainly would be a bad choice for any type of promo! hah.
my initial thoughts were to capture the quality of the paper and flatten the background with a cooling, calming color. - which does seem to stimulate a rather nauseating sensation, as he said.
2 comments:
This image, operating in a representational mode of transmission, is initially positive when reading only the soft paper texture, flower print, and calm blue background. But as I spend a little time with this image, it becomes more and more negative. The angle and the crop betray a positive perception; the focus is primarily on the metal hardware and electrical cord, things that one usually tries to hide for fear that any indication of how the latern really works will ruin its magical ambiance. Revealing and highlighting these parts in this way seems to convey that this lantern is a superficial facade. That the warm, ethereal glow that it gives in the darkness is an illusion, and the reality is merely a mass produced $10 item from Biglots; made in china from plastics that abrade carcinogenic heavy metals; designed to become obsolete in a few years; destined for landfill. The fact that the lamp is turned off and light by some other florescent-looking source, only adds to this feeling. Now the blue background is more nauseating than calming as it seems an unnatural setting for this object.
Noise is a big factor here. What ever ancient mystery and beauty this lantern once possessed is lost when representing it as a modern store-bought item.
grant, your interpretations of this postcard are really quite interesting.
the original intent of this postcard was positive, yet. . . due to your remarkable evaluation of the subject matter, i do believe that you should be in sales! what an interesting take on the subject matter. i do agree that the crop is a bit unflattering in that it is capturing an idea or subject opposite the attributes of the lamp. the hardware, the wiring, and the obvious "store-bought" quality of the artifact seem to be overpowering the original intent of the object.
the lack of warm glow from the lamp and artificial lighting really do give a quite different feel to the overall representation of the lamp. certainly would be a bad choice for any type of promo! hah.
my initial thoughts were to capture the quality of the paper and flatten the background with a cooling, calming color. - which does seem to stimulate a rather nauseating sensation, as he said.
i enjoy to see the negative renditions :o)
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