Tues, Jan. 15

It is interesting to note the differences between looking and seeing; it is actually something that I have never reflected on. There are millions of images that I look at every single day, but how many of them do I actually see? This is definitely food for thought.

My personal favorite part of this chapter was the picture on page 18 and the commentary that went with it. Perhaps because it was such a trying time in our nation's history, or perhaps because the picture is from a trolley in New Orleans, but something in it speaks to me. The stoic woman near the front of the picture speaks volumes of the sitauation. The children who have never known anything but segreagation are next; they look curious and are dressed quite nicely. The most powerful part of the photograph for me is the black man's face; his eyes scream passion and oppression. In looking at the picture, one is instantly drawn to him.

I also enjoyed looking at the various pictures online. In "The Depths of the Sea," I feel as if the mermaid is holding the man down in the "depths of the sea; the placement of his hands suggest that they are tied. I like that the figures are nude, and I also like the color of the bottom of the sea and the whirlpool effect that looks as if it is taking place at the top of the painting. The slightly blue hue that is evident in the picture reminds one of the environment in which the painting is set. All in all, it is a stunning picture.

In the Escape ad by Calvin Klein, I like the body language of both the girl and boy. However, I feel as if the girl should be turned at a different angle, and that by doing so, she would lose that poochy-belly look. The image is very sexual in nature and definitely captures the viewers attention.

I have always wondered why the "Mona Lisa" was such an important piece of artwork; perhaps I do not understand the complete background of the painting, but I have always felt as if it is greatly over-appreciated. I am simply not a fan. Perhaps if I were to see the painting in real life, I would get a new apprication for it.

This chapter has shown me that there is much to learn in Visual Culture, and I must be receptive if I am going to recall any of it!!