Image Analysis 3: Artwork - Sculpture

A Man-Made Man’s Best Friend 

      Robert Bradford is the artist behind this colourful life-size dog sculpture entitled "Foo Foo". His mixed-media pieces use found objects such as toys, buttons and clothes pegs. His unique approach to sculpture raises the value of everyday objects to that of artistic merit. Gazing at this sculpture I can find many recognizable toy items such as a tamagotchi, puzzle pieces, a walkie-talkie, and action figures. Bradford’s work reminds me of a series of children’s books called “Eye Spy”, which challenge the reader to find everyday items such as toys in different photographs. Like the books, his sculpture challenges the viewer to spend time gazing at the materials used. This example of visual rhetoric relies on visual aesthetic design choices as opposed to verbal components. It uses pathos to form an emotional connection with the audience that relies on themes of childhood nostalgia, appreciation of mixed-media art, recycling and of course the love of dogs. I believe this sculpture sends the message that all objects have the potential to be art as an expression of innovative creativity. Each item was hand picked and probably holds a certain memory or meaning for the creator. His choice of youthful, colourful objects instills a tone of quirky energy and fun into the piece. It expresses the actual life-size silhouette and dimensions of a dog’s body, yet is textured by the artificial surface of plastic. It sends the message that the creator is open-minded in his approach to what defines the art of sculpture. The dog sculpture could even be considered as encompassing the very essence of popular culture because it’s basic composition relies on numerous consumer items. For this implicit use of pop culture items, its cultural resonance is strong with North-American society. It appeals to dog, toy, and art lovers alike. It also has a strong connection to childhood, and the pleasure of play. The art is contemporary, imaginative, unconventional and is a strong example of eye-catching visual rhetoric, based on the artist’s pairing of the opposing forces of manufactured everyday objects, with the traditional art form of sculpture. I enjoyed the poodle "Foo Foo" piece so much that I also included another work of Bradford’s, the terrier dog sculpture "Terieristes". Enjoy gazing into the depths of these pieces . . . you might even spy an object that connects you to your childhood in some way. 

Bradford, Robert. Foo Foo. 2009. Ripleys Museum U.S.A. 27 Oct. 2010 <http://www.robertbradford.co.uk/>.

Image Analysis 2: News Photograph

      This photograph was published on the website of the Canadian newspaper, The Globe and Mail on October 19^th, 2010. The image shows French riot police detaining a young man in Lyon, France. Youth in France have been violently protesting, setting fires in multiple cities against a proposed bill, which would raise in the retirement age to 62.

      This image is a powerful example of visual rhetoric. The photographer, Laurent Cipriani of the Associated Press, chose to use the two police in the foreground as a framing device to showcase the main action of the photograph, the arrest of the youth. All the faces of the police look away from the young man in contrast to his intense expression. The scene is one of chaos and anarchy: smoke billows along the city street, there is rubble on the ground and a foggy gathering of riot police is visible in the right back corner of the photograph. This image relies on the persuasive power of the visual composition and arrangement. It speaks to an audience (who is interested in international news) through the argument that the authoritative state institution of the French law enforcement holds the power. The visual elements of the navy and black police uniforms, police batons and helmets signal control, and contrast the red shirt of the citizen and the dullness of the concrete and street. The main colours blue, white and red symbolize the national colours of France. The two foreground police act as blockades between chaos and order. The subject and tone of the image are very serious and may aim to present an objective journalistic point of view that the Associated Press is known for, but the overpowering arrangement and imagery of the photo expose the strategic use of visual rhetoric. No journalistic image through the lens of a camera can be considered neutral. The image works to assert and reinforce the idea that France has social control over its rebellious youth. Although there is live action, implied by unsettled smoke, the visual construction of the image draws attention to the visual decisions made by the photographer.

Cipriani, Laurent. France Retirement Strikes. 2010. Associated Press. New York.

Image Analysis 1: Fashion Advertisement

      This is a fashion advertisement from Saks Fifth Avenue’s 2006 “Want It!” campaign. The eye-catching image, which I found online at some point, came to mind when I was looking for examples of strong visual rhetoric. This image speaks directly to our consumerist culture and instantly conjures up associations to images of propaganda. It is especially reminiscent of images from the Russian Revolution. At first glance the graphics are what is noticed, the strong sans-serif typeface, the bold pairing of white, red, and black, the thick diagonal lines and the stance of the model makes this an image that demands attention and stands out from other types of fashion ads. This image uses the visual and verbal rhetoric techniques of propaganda and applies it to marketing strategy. The assertive, commanding tone of the “arm yourself” text and graphics make a direct attempt to connect to the viewer on an individual level. This ad asserts the message that buying goods is a form of female empowerment. The hard-faced expression, black and white photography and revolutionary stance of the model enforce the visual boldness of the graphics enhancing the overall feeling of authority and influence.  The message, which was part of a series in the ad campaign essentially places its all of its message’s reception on the striking visuals. The actual product, the “slouchy bag” becomes secondary. I find the message also addressing materialism and mocking mindless female consumers while bringing to light the outrageous amount of control and influence the advertising industry has in society. Making a direct link between the manipulative goals of propaganda and advertising is probably not the most effective strategy to sell high-end fashion items in times of a recession, but the ad certainly takes verbal and visual risks to get noticed.

Saks Fifth Avenue. Advertisement. DMD Insight (Feb. 2006). 12 Oct.

2010 <http://www.dmdinsight.com/blogs/post/160-saks-fifth-avenue-wants-you->.