Elliott Erwitt, Downtown Hat Shop Window, 1950
I was interested in this photograph because of the reflections of mannequin heads surrounding the main subject. The juxtaposition between the white mannequin heads and the woman of color is very interesting as it alludes to a deeper social commentary of race in the context of consumerism. The use of reflections adds to the composition of the image, as it leads the viewer’s eyes to the woman’s face of distress. This photograph was taken as a part of a series documenting Pittsburg, and although the assignment was to emphasise the desirable aspects of the city, Erwitt instead photographed in a less desirable yet realistic manner. As an outsider looking in, Erwitt was able to establish a connection with the woman in the hat shop window that the viewer can easily interpret.
Christina Fernandez, The Untitled (Multiple Exposures), 1999
Despite the fact that I am not a minority, I was drawn to Christina Fernandez’s series of multiple exposures featuring portraits, as the use of multiple exposures clearly showed the artist attempting to connect to the past, in order to discover more about her own identity. The piece made me think about my connection to the women of generations before my own, as especially the white women of the past were on one hand a part of horrendous acts committed against people of color, while others have fought for equal rights for men and women. The techniques used aided the larger conceptual concept, as they focused on the women of the past, while subtly questioning where the women of today fit into the narrative.
Henri Cartier-Bresson, Prostitute, Calle Cuauhtemoctzin, Mexico City, Mexico, 1934
I find this photo interesting because although it is not the traditional Cartier-Bresson decisive moment, yet it still captures a specific moment in time. Unlike other depictions of prostitutes, this photo doesn’t emphasise the sexuality of prostitution, instead it emphasises the face and personality of the woman. The photograph is taken from an unusual angle in an unusual setting, which adds to the general sense of uncertainty and slight discomfort that the photograph emphasises.
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