Provide title and date of work
‘The Basement’ and made in 2013.
Account for how you personally feel and what emotions is the work attempting to stir?
I feel pretty cool and the image just seems like a typical family watching TV although it is outdated in the 21st century. The image conveys a feeling of boredom and it makes me feel comfortable seeing such a normal photo.
Does this image look like a dream? Explain
No it seems like a very typical photo and I still fail to identify how unique it is. From all perspectives I try to look at, it looks very common since everything is placed realistically. The lighting that can be seen through the lamp is also legitimate since the it is dim on top and bright on the bottom due to the upward concavity of the elliptical cross section of the lamp cover. The light then spreads across the room, creating light shadows due to the dimness of the light. The shadow is shown on the girls right foot which makes the photo more legitimate but the one thing I do not understand is the girl’s posture. By sitting in that position, the blood flow and circulation on her leg would be messed up and not enough oxygenated and deoxygenated blood will go through her leg, causing it to have cramps and be numb. Furthermore, the blanket is messily laid out on the carpet. Carpets usually attract dust mites and different bacteria so when the girl decides to put it on, she will be more prone to allergies and sickness. If she has an eczema condition especially, she will find herself scratching furiously which may cause her to bleed and thus, no longer able to play the lady in the photo anymore. Overall, this image does not look like a dream and the woman should certainly reconsider her posture choices and her immature blanket-throwing choices. Think before you act.
How does the image reflect symbols of western culture
Disconnection between family through a device or technology. This topic is often brought up especially in Western cultures where family members feel ‘disconnected’ from everyone else because of modern technology. The negative expressions on their faces symbolise this and it also represents and challenges Western culture ideologies.
How does the photograph reflect the society’s values and beliefs
This was already roughly mentioned above but this photograph reflect’s the society’s disconnection to family members through technologies, social media etc. nowadays. It teaches us to be more social for a happier life.
Account of the key influences on his work –
Mise-en-Scene
Erik's super cool blog 