In order to prepare for the first day of my MA I was asked to bring along 3 images that I feel communicate powerfully – this could be examples of my own work or that of other people. Quite a broad task considering no media or theme was given as a guideline.
To select the images I thought back to images that have had a long standing impact on me, and have left me with thinking about it for a great deal of time after words. Images that communicate a message, although that message could be interpreted differently by different people, but a message none the less.
The first image was an easy one – the Hope poster for the Obama campaign. The russian propaganda style of the image definitely gives it a bold power that has been used for decades to incite emotion. The message is clear, and the poster has clearly been designed to inspire and encompass the masses to join the campaign.
The next image is a long standing favourite of mine – the album cover for Muse’s Absolution – designed by Storm Thorgerson. Here it is the combination of the ordinary with the extraordinary that makes the image communicate so powerfully – a normal looking man in a common urban surroundings witnessing the overflying of a flock of angels. I love the use of shadows – it tells us so much whilst leaving so much to the imagination.
My final image is a photograph taken from one of the most incredible exhibitions of all time – Ashes and Snow by Gregory Colbert. In this image the message of equality, power, and peace is communicated in the most beautiful way.
