Monday, February 7, 2011

John Vink Mesa Grande (San Marcos). 08/06/88. Refugees from Salvador. Child in a kindergarden.


The first thing that draws my attention to this photograph is the juxtaposition of textures. The prominent net creates a frame for the sole figure on the canvas. There is a strong vertical line in the center of the page that is created by the framing of the net. Because it is the only vertical the eye is instantly drawn there where it is met by a portrait of a young child. At first glance, the child looks peaceful and the viewer is left wondering what the photo is trying to express. There are many different interpretations for the seemingly-expressionless child however the title of the photo - Refugees from Salvador - transform the image into an combination of hope and anguish.

I really liked the way that the net masked the face of the figure - much like the meaning of the image would be masked without the inclusion of a title.  - Mara Schlanger

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