Inspired by David Hockney...4

Inspired by David Hockney...3

Inspired by David Hockney...2

Inspired by David Hockney...1

Project 2, Skulls 1&2

Panorama

SHUTTER show artwork critique

Shannon Morgan...a day before her birthday #1

Inkjet Print, 8.5"x12"

1. This is a portrait of a "very old" woman. Woman maybe in her eighties is holding her face with hands with gentle squeeze. Her gaze is directed at the viewer. She is wearing a ring on one hand and engagement ring and wedding band on the other one. There is some suggestion of her clothing-, sweater with black and white pattern. As a background there is a very little black negative space. The photograph has medium range grey scale and is low in contrast. also it seems to be slightly out of focus and there are no sharp details.

2. There is a very strong connection between the photograph and the title of it which attracted my attention. The sense of contradiction which is not really as apparent-_an old age, getting closer to day of death, day when life will end and birth day- the day when life started, the circle of life, what is next, this could be her last day before her rebirth...Conceptually it is very strong piece. Also the technical approach of photographer-: grey scale, blurry quality support the concept. Lastly, hard to read expression of woman and her gaze creates more questions about her life or life in general.

3. The photograph has very strong concept and made me think about lots of different ideas about birth, aging, life in general but also connected me with the woman and her story. I found lots of great details which kept my focus- the wrinkles, skin spots, the hair... The concept of the image connected with the title is the strength which I found inspiring.

4. Overall the photographer chose an interesting subject matter and was able to create strong concept. Technical elements and chosen moment of shooting are all great qualities which I enjoyed about this photograph.