Drugs
Artist Analysis
Within this composition we are only presented with these orange and white capsules: the photographer I presume wanted us to focus on it or feel as if the taker of these pills is considering overdosing due to the concentration on the pills alone. The bright composition of the colliding white and orange in a way illustrate that these capsules can be seen as sweeties. Possibly be mistaken by a young child who can be seriously injured by these drugs that are supposedly very dangerous. As a viewer I feel compelled to feel as if I’m the user of these drugs which is what the photographer wanted to convey to the audience, I feel like the drugs are being shoved into your face as they very up close against the lens. Furthermore the label ‘Ethex 960’ in away enhances the seriousness of the drugs and are the only feature/ form of identification we have relating to this drug other than the colour code. In conclusion the colours within the shot in a way mislead the true objective of the capsules as they can deceive the more adolescent eye into trouble.
Initial set of Photographs
1ST Set Evaluation Within my initial set of drug shots I attempted to focus on the assembling of drugs; different types of tablets, from crumbling to just the packaging. Mainly try to convey the shot to the viewer in a away they will feel their look through the eyes of the drug user. The first shot for example of an set of individual tablet packets poured out of its container, I assembled this so that its almost like an set of stairs; the drug user is focus only on the packet at this time as it is the only think in focus everything else I the shot is very indistinct. The right side of the composition is very dark, there's a lot of shadow on the left side of the packet enhancing the captivity of the individuals packets structure as they pour out of this darkness. The second shot likewise I focused on the same idea of the individual packets pouring out of the main container however here I focused closer in on the packets and arranged them so the closest the lens was out of the depth of field where the packet further away was concentrated on. The rest and the vast majority of my shots within this set where concentrating on the crumbling of the drugs and the opened packets composed with broken tablets and powder – I want the viewer to feel as if the user is having a hard time consuming these tablets.
st 1
DEVELOPMENTAL SET
Megan Wheeler
This photographby Megan wheeler has a captivating collection of colors; the white powder on the mirror has a strong impacting appearance as you can just about barely see it’s reflection. Though the container is partially out of focus the orangey color stands it out in the shot.
The arrangementof the capsules make them look like they’ve been poured out of the container; possibly the Container has been tipped over. Interestingly none of the capsules appear to be open however theirs powder maybe this is another drug possible Another separate drug.
The general idea I take from the shot it that the drug user is either strugglingto get out he’s drugs and the camera is the eye of the user hence the angle of the shot - a low angle possibly lying on the floor reaching for this container which has tipped over. The white of the capsule though is bright blends in slightly with the surrounding when out of focus as you can see with the furthercapsule to the right of the shot. The purplish Burgundy color I think really compliments the brightness of the white of the powder and capsule making them stand out in some aspects of the photograph.
2nd Set Evaluation Within this developmental set I concentrated further on the perception of the drug user as within some shots the vision is very illusionary and blurry; where some of the incorporated shots appear very dream like and mirage like. The last shot which Is my most successful in portraying this I think explores a strong perspective of the different composition of tablets. The more distinct set of drugs then the lesser distinct composition at the top right very nicely incorporated as it sets another ground to the shot that completely confuses the levels on where the tablets are set. The forth development the only one I maintained the sepia tone; I really appreciated the morning glowing level saturation it provided. You feel as If you’ve just woken up and orangey morning light is coming through as you see these vague packets on the table beside you. Furthermore This development I initially intended to only duplicate sections of the composition itself but I think incorporating different compositions creates a much more interesting and complex perspective.
FINAL SET
Final Set Evaluation My final development I enhanced further the ideology of the viewer; feeling as if they are in the position of the drug taker. However instead of the impacting distinctness of the drugs being in focus, I attempted to further create a very crumbled and indistinct imagery. The first shot a composition where the user is holding a photograph of drugs in his hand, tightly – the wrinkles in his hand illustrating agony and pressure. And the crumbled paper also illustrating transgression and the users attempt to consume what clearly to us as an audience is inedible. The second shot likewise the taker is attempting to consume the drugs when It virtually isn’t possibly. The perspective and composition of the different pieces really collide as the proper perception is completely lost; within the last shot for example I incorporated a variety of different perspectives of drugs. Though the ideology is Cleary illustrated in the last shot the perceptions at which the individual set where taken cause a bit of complexity. In conclusion the overall theme of the drug taker agonisingly attempting to consume inedible visuals of drugs I think successfully portray he’s addiction and blatant confusion on perspective.
Artist Analysis An idea I didn’t really explore in the topic of drugs was including humans; though I did try to incorporate the idea of the drugs users perceptionof different shots and arrangements of drugs. This particular shot taken by Becky Hitchman I feel focuses on a drug users addiction to drugs as her mouth full of tablets is the subject of the photograph, her appearance almost seems completely oblivious as we cannot see her eyes discardinga whole sense of identity. One of the tablets in her mouth are almost falling out; her mouth Is pretty full to an extent she could possibly chock and this addiction becomes a Some what form of disorder. However contrastingly to my explanation the shot is Titled relief portraying some kind of necessity for this over dose. Looking at the features in the shot there appears to be no sign of struggle or extreme form of emotion she just seems almost too patient, interestingly I’ve Presumed the person in the shot is a she this Is Probably due to the shape of her lips and face. Her lips seem a bit more feminine as the upper lip is more archly shaped. Her chin is a lot smaller than the average persons; a masculine chin is normally either wider or rounded.