In this iconic anti-war photo there are a multitude of visual elements that are present in order to further the author's overall message to the audience. The first component of the image that is evident is the facial expressions of each person in the photo. For instance, the protester has a facial expression that makes her seem at peace, which is the overall message of the protest. In contrast, the facial expression of the soldiers give off the impression the just as the war is in Vietnam the situation occurring in the picture is tense and serious. In addition, the minor visual elements of the scene make just as much of a significant effect as the major elements. For example, the clothing of the protester depicts the type of person she is and the very evident hippie movement she is involved in. In addition, the visual element of the protester's emphasis on the flower and the almost robot-like stance of the soldiers makes it seem almost as if the soldiers with the guns were more scared of the protester than the protester was of them. All of these visual elements acts as a strong advocate for the anti-war movement and basically becomes the cover picture for the movement.
-Jason Recht
This is a good analysis of the visual effect of this photograph. One other thing I noticed in the photo that made it more powerful for me was the effect of seeing one protestor standing in front of at least ten soldiers with guns pointed ahead of them. This really emphasizes the protestor's unselfish desire for peace. The guns don't scare her; what scares her is the thought of a world at war with itself. Her fearlessness in this picture characterizes the overall feeling of love the hippies of the 1960's so desired to see in the world.
ReplyDelete-Amrita
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ReplyDeleteThere are a slew of visual elements to give credit to in this photo. Just look at the contrast of the two topical elements: the protesters and the soldiers. The difference between the flowered woman and the grey soldiers shows the depth of the conflict. Also, the numbers contrast is astounding. There's only one protester amongst an army! The bravery depicted by her loneness in performing a risky symbolic allegory is exceptional.
ReplyDeleteJason, you did it again!
—Jack Wisniewski
I think you did a great job on touching upon many of the elements in this picture. I like the way you described the protestor's facial expression being peaceful, representing the overall message of the movement she is involved in. I also think the black and white is a major element of the picture that you could've described. It could symbolize their contrasting outlooks on war: the black and white is comparable to war and peace.
ReplyDelete-Lea Marucci