all in a day's work

the life and times of a failed jedi...

:: back in the day..

What meaning do you bring to this picture?

Hmmmmmm?

The subject is the focus not only of the camera but also of those around him. That the other people in the image are only represented in part and by way of their limbs emphasises their insignificance in all but their service with these limbs towards the subject. However, the pressure being put on the subject by the arm entering the image from the left hand side does show that these servants do have some influence over their master. The same could perhaps be said of the subjects shoulders sloping slightly towards his servant. The master's status is reasserted in this respect by his height in relation to the servant. This is perhaps symbolic of the relationship that Jesus's disciples enjoyed with their master - frank, genuine, two-way relationships where Jesus, whilst serving them, was revered by them.

It may be worth offering further analysis of the two characters on the edges of the image. The hand pressed against the main subject's shirt in such a way as does not force an indentation upon the material does convey a deep love and affection though its gentleness. Owing to the position of the hand, the most natural way to remove it from the main subject would be downwards, thus effecting a stroke-like movement and emphasising the aforementioned affection. The other character is leaning in in an attempt to be close to the main subject. Whether these displays of affection are genuine or otherwise is of import and discussed below.

The darkness surrounding the main scene does, of course, reflect a night time setting. It is interesting to note that the street lamp portrayed in the image has very little effect on its surroundings. There is simply a red glow on a few surfaces very close to it. Whilst this impenetrable darkness gives a sense of foreboding to the scene, the light that reflects from the main subject onto his companions offers a source of hope. The clothes worn by the subject also offer some hope in an otherwise dreary world. There is a cohesion, a constancy, in the repetition of blue throughout the items worn. The dominant and central yellow offers a vibrancy and vitality to life whilst the blue encloses this in an overriding sense of peace.

It is important to consider the digital medium used to convey the image. The image was posted on a web page in an apparently unedited state. It was, then, intended for immediate public consumption. With this in mind it is of note that the digital video recorder featured in the image is pointing at the subjects crotch. The subjects eyes are focused on one of his 'servants' so perhaps does not notice the possible explotation of their familiarity with him (possibly through using the 'instant' medium of digital production combined with the instant publication - and status? - that the internet offers). It is interesting that the companion holding the camera pictured in the scene is wearing a striped shirt in the style of a convict. Returning to the Christian gospels, might this be a way of portraying Judas's betrayal and his subsequent imprisonment in his own guilt? The subject remains at peace, composed and content throughout this betrayal by those literally closest to him, transcending the situation and remaining the master.

In conclusion, what seems a genial and inoffensive, if not reverent, picture on the surface does, upon deeper examination, reveal how those in privileged positions are evermore tempted - particularly by the instantaneous nature of current technology - to exploit those who administer the privileges. Although this picture does not show the close-up of the subject's crotch, there is the suggestion that there is more to follow - or, at least, that more could follow. Whether the artist behind this image intended to submit more images or whether he is simply making his audience aware that this is possible in today's world is not for us to know. We are, however, very clearly offered the challenge to act appropriately in the context of Christian morals with the knowledge of the fate of our forbears in mind. Perhaps the presence of the camera directs this challenge primarily towards those responsible for the all powerful national press that the good, the bad and the ugly are all forced to contend with in equal measure. In all aspects, the picture suggests that it is impossible to overcome the force for good in the world and the intertextuality in which the picture is submerged suggests that those who attempt to overcome the force for good meet a grisly end.

Posted by El | October 23, 2006 5:44 PM