Assignment 3: People and Places of Japan

Source

This is an image of  tea houses in Ogee--Yedo. This image description states that the citizens would come out for recreation and aesthetic pleasure.  There were hunting grounds nearby reserved for the emperor and the height of Ogee observed the well cultivated country as a whole.  The image shows rocks, trees, flowers and a river flowing calmly behind the popular tea house.  If you look very closely, there is a man sitting on top of the rocks either admiring the view or fishing.  It is hard to tell whether the man is real of not.  The photo is a sepia tone giving the overall image a very serene and calming effect.

The direction and winding of the river leads the viewers eyes beyond the horizon and makes them curious to see more of the town.  It is almost like an arrow pointing passed the scene and toward the rest of the town.  The calm waters give a sense of comfort to the viewer and the fact that the man is almost statue like (and blends into the rocks) make it seem like that this place doesn't change--that it will always stay beautiful and people can always come back for that effect.  

Source

This is a photograph of 4 samurais.  They are all armed, carrying their swords.  The two swords are worn as a sign of nobility or higher classes (above merchants and laborers).  None of the men are smiling and all of them are standing straight with their shoulders back.  Only the second samurai to the left is looking directly at the camera-- the rest are looking down with strong eyes.  The photo is black and white with the colors of the samurai robes and swords coming through.

The usually hand-applied colors are green, blue, red, and yellow so it seems that the photo was manipulated by the artist.  The swords may have been painted yellow so that the viewers' eyes get drawn towards them to indicate that they are samurai and present their social status.  The blues and greys give the photo overall a very calm and controlled mood.  The way they are standing with firm faces give the samurais a very strong image.  The way I interpreted them looking down is that maybe they are trying to show each other respect by looking at the same eye level.  The man staring directly at the camera shows that he has control and is drawing the viewer in.

Assignment 2: "Visualizing Cultures" image analysis

Source

This is a woodblock titled " Picture of Foreigners Enjoying a Banquet" by Yoshikazu in December 1860.  This picture denotes a young Japanese girl dancing in front of a bunch of Caucasian men, women, and children.  The girl is dressed in what appears to be western clothing.  The banquet is held in a very western looking room, but outside the window a Japanese style building as well as a couple ships can be seen.  One of the masts hold an American flag.  The woodblock is painted in an East Asian style.  

The image depicts how the Japanese girl, who looks very different compared to the sea of Caucasians, is trying her best to accommodate to the guests by dressing in a similar manner.  However, the group of foreigners seem less than happy to be there and look very uncomfortable to watch the little girl.  Particularly, the two men on the left corner.  Another little girl on the left side of the picture is observing her very carefully, with her arms crossed and one hand on her chin.  The man on the right side is looking of to the side, where possibly there might be other performances of showcases being held for the foreigners.  All the people there seem to be observing the fascinating sight very carefully, not really enjoying the whole environment.  In fact, there are some people in the background grimacing.  The overall picture gives a very stiff, staged feeling.  

The inside of the room appears very uncomfortable and the colors are all in general pretty neutral or warm, so our eyes as the viewer drift towards the blueness of the window, where there is water flowing freely with a boat floating on it.  The sign in this picture is the dancing girl and she seems to signify Japan trying to interact with America by making it more comfortable for them by dressing similarly.  The overall picture illustrates two different worlds coming together in a really awkward situation.

Assignment 1: Image Analysis

Source: http://prbykylee.prblogs.org/tag/big-tobacco-companies/

This is an ad for Newport cigarettes. According to Wikipedia, Newports are a popular brand of cigarettes among African Americans and has become popular with teens and young adults well. Known to have a full menthol flavor but not compromising the tobacco flavor, Newports appeal to the consumer for so that they could "Enjoy a full flavor menthol, without drowning pure tobacco taste".

The image depicts a club or a concert where there are many young, hip, somewhat attractive looking people dancing. In the focal point there is a couple (also very attractive looking), dancing and looking at the camera in a very carefree and happy manner. Although the woman is posing effortlessly, she is engaging the viewer with her eyes while the man watches her. The advertisement reads, "Newport Pleasure! , Fire it up!"

This advertisement seems to be aimed towards a younger audience, citing the myth of American night life. For men, it gives the idea that one can have a carefree and fun life with lots of friends and women surrounding them (seeing that only the women in the background are easy to see). For women it gives an idea that they could be the object of a man's desires, while they enjoy life smoking their cigarettes. In general, the ad depicts them as being the life of the party because they smoke Newports.  Not only the people in the photo, but the color scheme of the advertisement gives the viewer that the product is refreshing and affordable. The warning label is in a very dull, flesh color and written in small font so that the viewer could over look it.