I interpret this keyboard image as being negative. The first thing that strikes me is the generous use of contrast, which enhances its form. This makes both the positive and negative space feel very dominating, and due to the stark contrast and lack of hue, implies a certain amount of mystery, and over-bearance at the same time. The vignettes in the opposing corners force your eyes directly to the center band (the keyboard). This type of forceful composition, coupled with the drama of being monochromatic and quite bold are reasons why i tend to perceive this image as having a negative connotation.
The image has a very simple composition, basically being divided into thirds. The middle is obviously the center off attention, and commands it as such. Texture replaces gradation here, and the linework takes on an extra significance, revealing to me, a new level of meaning. Lines are not always connected, fall short, or become implicit in many places in this image. That, along with the smudging gives me the sense of panic, and disfunctionality, which are inherently negative characteristics.
The image is very straightforward, and devoid of any external or additional connotations. This makes the image particularly easy to understand. Especially when the cropping and overall composition are taken into consideration.
A thorough interpretation - i can understand your thought process, as you've articulated it clearly.
The compressed charcoal medium certainly has an over-bearing, high contrast effect and for all its density, the edges are often tricky to define, so it's good that you picked up a sense of mystery and evasiveness.
The composition is indeed bold and dramatic, but that doesn't necessitate negativity. I think that there's some excitement in this drama that perhaps wasn't communicated. It's interesting that the hasty smudges were interpreted as as panic ridden - I had intended them to be impressionistic - rendered with speed and levity. The representation is expressive and charmingly anti-naturalistic
Perhaps some of the distortion in my message is a result of the mechanical reproduction. The digital scan eliminates some of the warmth and softness characteristic of the medium.
I'm glad to see some of these dual messages at play - positive and negative is, after all, a false dichotomy. pianists like bill evans teach us that there's often sadness in the saccharine.
2 comments:
I interpret this keyboard image as being negative. The first thing that strikes me is the generous use of contrast, which enhances its form. This makes both the positive and negative space feel very dominating, and due to the stark contrast and lack of hue, implies a certain amount of mystery, and over-bearance at the same time. The vignettes in the opposing corners force your eyes directly to the center band (the keyboard). This type of forceful composition, coupled with the drama of being monochromatic and quite bold are reasons why i tend to perceive this image as having a negative connotation.
The image has a very simple composition, basically being divided into thirds. The middle is obviously the center off attention, and commands it as such. Texture replaces gradation here, and the linework takes on an extra significance, revealing to me, a new level of meaning. Lines are not always connected, fall short, or become implicit in many places in this image. That, along with the smudging gives me the sense of panic, and disfunctionality, which are inherently negative characteristics.
The image is very straightforward, and devoid of any external or additional connotations. This makes the image particularly easy to understand. Especially when the cropping and overall composition are taken into consideration.
A thorough interpretation - i can understand your thought process, as you've articulated it clearly.
The compressed charcoal medium certainly has an over-bearing, high contrast effect and for all its density, the edges are often tricky to define, so it's good that you picked up a sense of mystery and evasiveness.
The composition is indeed bold and dramatic, but that doesn't necessitate negativity. I think that there's some excitement in this drama that perhaps wasn't communicated. It's interesting that the hasty smudges were interpreted as as panic ridden - I had intended them to be impressionistic - rendered with speed and levity. The representation is expressive and charmingly anti-naturalistic
Perhaps some of the distortion in my message is a result of the mechanical reproduction. The digital scan eliminates some of the warmth and softness characteristic of the medium.
I'm glad to see some of these dual messages at play - positive and negative is, after all, a false dichotomy. pianists like bill evans teach us that there's often sadness in the saccharine.
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