Migrant Mother,

Question 1

The following are the 2 approaches I’ve selected to discuss and explore, in terms of analyzing photographs:

1.    Aesthetics and tradition:

Aesthetics of photography focuses on formal stuff such as subject matter, composition and the organization of a photo (sharpness of image, exposure, print quality etc.). In relation to Lange’s photographs, the case study presents the idea that many of her prints were poorly organized. As Ohrn states: ‘She made them according to no formula, and they varied widely in density, making it a challenge to print them’ (pg. 44). However these mistakes proved to be unimportant, as many of her pieces were reproduced in books and journals and eventually; Lange was able to present and organize her work in a distinctive manner, where she was highly praised by critics. In response to this idea of print quality, should a newspaper/book print quality differ from the quality required and expected in an art exhibition? Why is print quality so excessively formal?

The aesthetics of this photograph (‘Migrant Mother’) is best examined and viewed in a sociological context, as result of the many parts that suggests this for example; 2 kids lying on the main subjects shoulders, which may imply the idea that they’re relying on their mother to live etc. Moreover the mother’s face provides a sense of sadness, stress and uncertainty.

2.    Image in context

The FSA project was developed as a result of the economic crisis of 1929 and the 1930’s economic depression. The FSA project aimed to document and demonstrate the challenging living conditions of the rural poor. As Hurley states: ‘the photographers it employed eschewed a mere photography of record in favour of works that stressed the depiction of human destitution and distress’ (pg. 42). This movement complies with Lange’s photo (‘Migrant Mother’), as the context of the image shows a hungry and desperate mother living in tough conditions (depression, etc). However I find it very interesting to read that although the subject of this photo and the purpose behind it has been used and manipulated in different ways (mainly socially), ‘Florence Thompson’ has never made a penny out of it and that it had done her no good (Roseler, 1989). Although ‘Florence Thompson’ did not make any money out of it, I believe the photo is a universal and symbolic image that’s impacted the world; as it shows the life of the rural poor (raise awareness) and the true impacts of the economic depression during the early 1900’s.

Questions 2

The following are the 2 approaches I’ve decided to discuss and explore, using my own photograph of ‘Mother and child – Wilkie and Pato Jnr’:

1.Image as Icon

This image shows the relationship between Mother and child and to be specific, I really like this image because not only does it show a mother’s love for her child (mother hugging and looking at child). But I feel that it also provides the idea that most sons’ can relate to, in terms of regardless of their size or age. They’ll always be a ‘momma’s boy’ for example; ‘Pato Jnr’ is a very large baby that will easily double the size of her mother ‘Wilkie’. ‘Pato Jnr’ looking out to the distance implies the idea of independence, but at the same time looks very comfortable and happy in his mother’s arms etc.

2.Reading the Photograph

This is photo of my friend ‘Wilkie’ and her son ‘Pato Jnr’. Every weekend we support our partner’s by attending their rugby games. This photo took place in winter at one of the rugby games and I wanted to achieve a photo that was more than a simple family portrait for example; ‘Pato Jnr’ is a very large baby and ‘Wilkie’ is pretty tiny compared to her son, so I decided to capture a photo that demonstrates the dramatic difference in size; but also highlighting the love that is shared between mother and son (i.e. ‘mommas boy’ etc).