I think the reason this photograph is successful is that it has a definite focal point. Though
the subject is placed in the center and the “horizon” line is in the middle of
the page, it is all done purposefully to draw the eye to her. Almost everything
in the photo is a varying shade of green except for her dress which creates a
stark contrast and a bright point that the viewer is all but forced to look at.
The couch that she is laying on is also a warm color (albeit toned down) which
contrasts against the bright green side tables that border it on either side.
The two white spots created by the lampshade serve to mimic the two spots
created by the cushions on the couch and create unity and repetition. The lines
from the armchair draw the eye in toward the focal point by physically pointing
at it. The same can be said about the coffee table and the side tables. The way
that this image is almost perfectly mirrored creates the illusion of falsehood
and makes the viewer want to look at the piece for a longer period of time to
determine whether or not it is a fabricated reality. The intense yellow of the
girl’s coat is offset by the yellow of her shoes and the teacup, keeping the
illusion of symmetry intact by creating and maintaining balance. The figure is
also the only thing in the image with shades of blue (especially around her
head area which draws attention to her face). Conceptually this image may be
trying to focus on the falsehood of perfection. Seemingly everything in this
setting is perfect, pristine, and cared for. The furniture is all part of a
matching set, the clothing looks new, the girl’s face is photoshopped to near
perfection, the pattern is very rhythmic, and the textures and colors are all
very rich. However upon closer inspection, the couch is wrinkled, along with
the girl’s clothing and she seems to have a troubled look on her face. With the
introduction of this figure, chaos is introduced to the image, to the
controlled environment. This perfect image of glamor is interrupted by the
unstoppable force of human nature, our inability to reach perfection no matter
how hard we may try. This image conveys its meaning through its forced reality,
its “too perfect” imagery. By making the only organic matter in this piece (the
human) the focal point, the artist manages to convey his meaning successfully. The
only thing I would change if given the chance is that line in the center
created by the mirror. It is a little distracting from the subject matter and
my eye keeps moving toward it, back and forth between the girl and the bottom
of the mirror. I don’t know if the artist did this intentionally, forcing the
viewer to perhaps reflect on their own imperfections, but it down’t feel very
purposefully done to me. Otherwise I think this is a wonderfully done image
with a very strong concept and a composition that allows that concept to shine
through.
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