This week we were given our first independent brief, and to say the least I was more than excited. The brief was a visual analysis task and we were each given an image to analyse. The criteria of the task was to:
Your task is to create a 750 word (+ or – 10%) visual analysis of one image. The document will contain references and illustrations as well.
You will deconstruct the image, analyse the visuals and interpret what you can see.
You can incorporate academic theory on decoding images and advertising, the basics of semiotics (the sign, connotation and denotation, context, the gaze), discuss any cultural references (links, connections, influences), and bring your own interpretations.
The image I was given was a picture taken by Paolo Roversi in 2016 as a part of a promotional shoot for Dior's SS 16 collection to put into their magazine. At a first glance, I was unhappy with my image as I thought that it would be extremely hard to analyse as it looked quite simple and uninteresting. However, after we completed various exersizes in the seminar I became more optimistic as I saw elements from the image that could be symbolic and have meaning behind them.
Seminar Task
In the seminar, we were given a task to help us deconstruct the image that we were given. To do this, we had 1 minute to write down all of the words that came into our head about the image, as well as what it reminded us of and what we thought it meant. Initially it took me a while to get into it, however I stopped overthinking and managed to write down many words to do with the image. Here are the words that I came up with.
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| My sheet from the seminar task. |
Writing the analysis
After the task, we were given directions on how our visual analysis should be set out and the type of information that we had to include in each section.
| Slide from seminar. |
| Slide from seminar. |
From the slides in the seminar as well as guidance from teachers, I came up with a way that would make it easier for me to write. I used the what,how and why method.
Description = What: what the photograph includes, the components that go into the photograph.
Formal analysis = How: how the picture was composed with shape and form
Deeper interpretation = Why: why did the photographer use these methods and subjects within the photograph and what do they represent/ symbolism behind them.
With all of this information in mind, I was able to write my visual analysis on this image. I found it really interesting to write this and delve deeper into the image rather than just looking at the surface.
Here is my final analysis.
Paolo Roversi 2016 ‘Mirror, Mirror’
Description
This image had been taken from a series of photographs titled ‘Mirror, Mirror’ shot by Paolo Roversi to promote Dior’s new spring/summer 2016 collection that was “Endlessly presented in a juxtaposition of mirrors that echo the femininty of Dior’s garments.”
This is a black and white image with hints of a subtle yellow undertone. The image includes two caucasian models. One has brunette hair and the other has blonde hair. The hair and makeup was very minimal with both models wearing their hair slicked back into middle parted low ponytails, whilst wearing natural makeup. Each of the models are fully clothed in garments from Dior’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection.
The models were placed in front of a full length mirror that has been so violently broken that the shards of glass are visible within the image. Since the mirror is shattered, the positioning of the models been distorted.
Roversi took the image from the side so the models reflections could be seen within it. The positioning of the camera makes it appear like the models aren't facing the mirror, however they were. In addition, both models aren't looking directly into the camera and each have vacant expressions. Whilst the brunette model is gazing directly ahead, the blonde model is looking at her whilst her body is facing forward.
Formal analysis
Looking at the image more in depth, it is clear that the key visual component is the broken mirror. If the image didn't include this feature, the photograph wouldn't have had the same effect on viewers. Disregarding the mirror allowed me to see that the composition of the image is very minimal which makes the image look effortless. The photograph isn't overly composed and styled, allowing the focus to be on the garments and the natural beauty of the models. Similarly, the lighting within the image looks natural. The room in which Roversi captured the photograph looks like a space that has large windows which would allow natural lighting to pour through, achieving balanced lighting throughout the image.
However, taking the image in a broken mirror both literally and metaphorically gives the photograph more edge. The mirror acts as a juxtaposition from the femininity of Dior’s garments and adds power and sharpness to them. From the image, you can see that the glass is broken vertically, which has effected the way in which the models figures are distorted. The way in which the glass is shattered gives the image symmetry, making the glass look as though each piece was set in a specific place in order to create certain reflections of the models and repetitions of patterns and detailing of the clothing.
Deeper interpretation
I believe the use of a broken mirror is very effective because a mirror is a reflective surface and replicates whatever is put in front of it, so looking into a broken mirror could symbolise someone literally and metaphorically having a distorted vision of themselves. As well as this, it could symbolise not being comfortable or not being able to come to terms with ones identity.
Another theory that I had for this image is the obsession with ones reflection, like the story of Narcissus (image below). This is a Greek story of a man known for his beauty. Narcissus was very proud and disregarded those who loved him. Nemesis, the goddess of retribution noticed this and enticed Narcissus to a pool where he first saw his reflection and fell in love with it. He was unable to leave his reflection and he stared into the pool until he died.
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| Narcissus by Caravaggio |
To me, the composition of this image resonates with the story of Narcissus because the way that the brunette model is looking directly into the mirror as well as the vacancy and absence in her eyes makes her look as though she is possessed. This could symbolise obsession with reflection like Narcissus. Moreover, she’s staring into the large crack in the mirror making her face look broken, which shows she doesn’t care about the negative connotations of bad luck and demonic things that come with a broken mirror. Her reflection is more important.
This completely contrasts with the blonde model. She isn't looking directly at the mirror, but looking at the brunette model. As well as this, instead of her image being distorted in the mirror like the brunette model, her image is replicated. To me this replication represents purity and clarity of ones identity since she isn't obsessed with herself like the other model. However the replication of her reflection and the fact that her body is turned toward the mirror and her head isn't could also symbolise the struggle of temptation and will power.
Overall, I believe that this image is very simple yet powerful. With the use of only three subjects, it evokes striking symbolic imagery to the viewer. I think that the way Roversi used natural elements combined with the unnatural state of a mirror helped Dior to convey the message of their new collection to consumers.
Thanks for reading.
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