A Thousand Words

Or As Many As It Takes To Explain The Piece



The artwork I am reviewing is a picture that was taken unexptedly. The two people photographed are then being presented in a natural element. The artist, unidentified at the moment, captures this image because of everything it represents. A white male police officer, kneeling down to tie the shoe of an African American urban-ly dressed young boy, speaks volumes.

It is socially established within the Black community that the white race, more narrowly its men, do not support the uplift nor nurturing of African American males. This cultural stereotype is largely accepted amongst America's people. However, despite this objective statement, the artist chose to take an artistic stand against societal beliefs. This photograph, single-handedly, defies common racial opinions.

The black and white coloring of the photo was purposefully done, so that the question of color would be determined by the audience. The issue of race must then be assumed by the viewer, and not directly addressed by the artist.

Because the picture is in black and white, the intended audience must use their personal background to extract the seriousness and artistic value of this piece. The audience: someone affected by the African American culture. A person unaware of American history would not be able to fully connect to the photo. The artist understands this, allowing his or her work to only be communicated to a certain group of people.

Using this form of artistic communication, the viewer can establish a dialogue between the audience and the piece.

The viewer may ask certain questions about the work. Possible questions include: Why are the subjects in the picture positioned the whay they are? Why is the police officer kneeling down before the young boy? Could he not tell the young boy to prop his foot upon someting greater in height? Why is the older man a police officer and not an unauthorized citizen? Or, why is the young boy dressed in attire that would normally be seen on an older male? All these questions would create a solid dilogue between viewer and creator.

Some of these questions have plausible answers. A logical answer that explains the subject's positioning, is that the police officer's subserviant pose represents a pivotal switch in societal roles. The photo's appeal derives from the idea that it is not normal for a white male cop to aid the continuance of a Black male boy. What's being captured is more than the tying of a shoe, it is the representation of the dominant race aiding the growth of a minority.

The white, authoritative police officer, is tying the shoe of a classless, African American boy. This act of kindness is offered so that the boy can continue to walk with no chance of falling. Falling, is a metaphor for faltering from life's path at the approach of an obstacle.

In regards to space, lighting, rhythm, and balance, this photo incorporates all four characteristics.

The spacing of the two subjects is fairly close, displaying the relationship they share with each other. They appear to be unaware of their obvious differences, shattering all social barriers within themselves.

The balance of the picture is casually thrown off, as the side profile of another individual is captured in the left corner of the frame.  It is obvious that this person is not a focul point, but the fact that he is in the shot reminds the viewer that this is not staged. This promotes reality.

Ironically, the police officer is the darkest object in the shot. Darkness, normally associated with bad or evil, is even more supported with the bulging gun sitting on the right of the officer's waist. Surprisingly, cast in the picture's shadow,are the efforts of good. 

My personal reaction to the piece is shock yet approval. I love the father-to-son imagery, even though it is clear that these two individuals are not related. This photo puts into mind the chance of positive action between the police and the African American youth. It provides hope and a cliche reminder "that it takes a village to raise a child".

This photo? 627 Words.