The images I have chosen successfully communicate a story and emotional reaction through different techniques. In my practice I’ve found the most successful creations are ones which create a connection to the viewer as they carry a strong message.

Image 1

I think this is an extremely strong image by the artist Peter Kennard. The use of black and white photo montage makes the image seem frozen in time whilst the contrasting yellow text sends out a powerful message for future generations. The surreal image of the skeleton’s head turning into a cloud of smoke makes the viewer question humanity and makes them feel a sense of responsibility for the fate of the world. A complex story is carried with this image through its context which immediately connects all people together as nuclear warfare is a worldwide issue. I like that the desired effect “is precisely that it does not look real” as it makes the image seem more like a “dark fantasy” (1) (Jones, 2015) than reality.

Image 2

I chose this image from the New Yorker’s money issue as I felt the digital style reflected well on the story and message. In my own practise I try to find processes which support the message. Here I feel the digitally drawn cover reflects the idea of machines rising to power and replacing humans. The composition also adds to the image’s success. I find it interesting that the dog is staring solemnly at the robot dog as if raising the question of how replaceable will things eventually become? I feel it also makes a connection to how people are put out of work by machines and this cover explores how far this will go.

Image 3

This illustration is excerpted from a fairy-tale book. I like how bold silhouettes juxtapose the swirling inky backgrounds creating a sense of magic. As Jan works “He hears the rain – and sometimes hail” (2) (Pienkowski), these sensory stimuli come across in his work as it truly makes the viewer feel. They speak to one’s inner fascination with magic and fantasy.

I feel with a strong story; personal connections follow which makes the work successful.

References:

1 Jonathon Jones. (2015). Peter Kennard review – a thrillingly grotesque montage of modern times . Available: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/may/12/peter-kennard-review-imperial-war-museum. Last accessed 3/12/17.

2 unknown. (unknown). Jan Pieńkowski. Available: http://gabrielfineart.co.uk/jan-pienkowski/4587266546. Last accessed 3/12/17.

Images:

(3) Jan Pienkowski. (2011). The kingdom under the sea. Available: http://gabrielfineart.co.uk/communities/1/004/012/573/911//images/4629169926.jpg. Last accessed 3/12/17.

(1) Peter Kennard. (1983). “Never Again”. Available: http://media.vam.ac.uk/media/thira/collection_images/2006BB/2006BB5388.jpg. Last accessed 3/12/17.

(2) R. Kikou Johnson. (2017). “Tech support”. Available: https://media.newyorker.com/photos/59de87ab55d36754839871e3/master/w_727,c_limit/CVN_TNY_10_23_17RGB.jpg. Last accessed 3/12/17.