Analysis of Fox Games - Essay Example

Visual Analysis Paper Introduction The development of the humanity is closely connected to the development of art in general. Thus, the first cave paintings seem to be very primitive; however, over many thousand of years people enhanced their technique and the world of art is currently truly flourishing. What is more important is that now talented people are able to use new mediums for expression of their creative energy. Thus, the art of photography is relatively young, yet it has already been able to capture the hearts of the people. It must be noted that many artists who chose photography as their primary medium tend to follow the guidelines that were developed in the conventional art, making them appear in the new environment. This paper will analyze a photograph that is titled Fox Games and which was produced by Sandy Skoglund, examining in great detail every element of it. Analysis of the work of art To begin with, it may be particularly important to pay attention to the composition of the objects. One is able to see that there is an apparent conflict between two approaches. On the one hand, there is order which can be seen in nicely aligned tables, symmetrically placed chairs, candelabra hanging in the middle of the ceiling and three human figures that are depicted in a harmonious way: the waiter being the highest of them is standing, while a couple is sitting by each side of him. On the other hand, there is another approach to placing the object that is present: it is chaotic. Indeed, the author put 23 bright colored foxed in no particular manner: they stand, run, jump, lie and do anything, but stay calm. The use of color is extremely important as well. Thus, just like with composition, the author employed two contrasting techniques. Thus, the background of the picture is monochrome. While there are may be some variations, it is mostly black and white. In addition to that, every inanimate object that is depicted in the picture is white: the tables, the bread in the baskets, the painting on the wall and so on. One also might note that while the people in the back are depicted in color, they are not very saturated. That is why the couple and the waiter are considered to be an element of the background. Nevertheless, the author used bright orange color to paint the foxes. This way they dramatically contrast with everything that is depicted. However, one should point out that there is one fox (near the table in the middle) that is painted white. There may be several explanations to it. Firstly, it may be not a live fox, but a statue as all inanimate objects are depicted in white. Secondly, it may be an allusion on the fact that it is hiding and is practically invisible. The next element of the picture that should be analyzed in great detail is the use of light and shadow. In spite of the fact that the author did not depict any visible source of life, variations of light still play a significant role. It must be noted that wile the couple is sitting indoors, the windows are blinded; they are shut and allow not light into the room. Furthermore, the only source of light can be found behind observer. That is why quite naturally the furthest corner of the room appears to be the darkest one. Keeping in mind that the couple and the waiter are depicted close to the wall, they are partially cover by a shadow. The perspective was used quite interestingly in the picture. First of all, one should mention the place of the vanishing point. Thus, it is located in the furthest part of the room under candelabra. One should also point that there is a little fox that is sitting right next to it. The observer is placed in the opposite corner of the room and is able to see two the walls, the floor and the ceiling. Every object is depicted proportionally. So, the head of a fox as well as the bread basket that appear on the closest table are the biggest in the picture, while the chairs and the foxes near the vanishing point are the smallest ones. Speaking of the figures that are employed in the picture, one might note that there are four points that should be made. The first visible and the most easily recognizable one is the figure of the waiter. He stands near a woman, holding a plate in his left hand. His back forms a vertical line, while his head it slightly bent forward. The next figure that will be analyzed is the figure of the woman. She is sitting and is smaller that the waiter. Only the upper half of her body is visible, no legs are shown. She is turning to the waiter and, probably, orders something. The next figure is her companion. Just like her and the waiter his back is straight and forms a vertical line. He drinks from a glass and his sight seems to be directed at the woman. Finally, there is a category of figures that includes al the foxes in the pictures: there does not feature any vertical lines, but only curved ones. It may be beneficial to talk about the poses in which every participant is depicted. Thus, the waiter seems to be confident as assertive. He stands on the ground and leans toward the woman. However, this is done with a great dignity. He holds the plate with his left hand and there is a lot of physical strength in this pose. As for the woman, she keeps her back straight and she has her right hand above the table. She, probably, wants the waiter to give her the menu. Her back is facing the wall and she turns to the waiter in order to facilitate communication between them. Her companion who is drinking the water seems to be relaxed. He holds the glass with his left hand. One might suggest that this implies that the man is left handed, but in reality he was probably depicted in such a way because if he had had a glass in this right hand, it would not have been visible. Contrary to the relaxed and powerful poses of the people, the foxes are shown playful: they are excited to create the mess around the visitors. Finally, one should also note the gestures that are made by the figures. The waiter serves the couple and shows obedience. However, he also shows that he has dignity: while offering the menu to the woman, he holds the plate and his back in a manner which shows that he does not consider himself to be a servant. As for the woman, she is ready to accept the services that are provided by the waiter and is quite open to him. That is why he raises her hand to take the menu. Her companion observes the situation and drinks water. He does not seem to be distracted by the foxes or the conversation between the other two people and holds the glass firmly. Conclusion Having examined all the element of the picture that is titled Fox Games, one might suggest that it is a rather interesting work of art. It engages different conflicts of color and posture in order to show the two worlds that simultaneously exist in the picture. It may be interpreted as a fair representation of the contemporary state of affairs. Read More