Visual Culture Week 1

List of objects

Window shutters
Transparent curtains
Night sky
Moon
Planets
Stars
Clouds
Shadow
Distant Island
Ship
Skull
Waterfall

This poster, designed by John Alvin for the film Hook, takes me immediately to my childhood and the wonder that was inspired by the story of Peter Pan. It combines all the elements of youth; dreams, mystery, the pretense of adventure, and even a twinge of fear.
The sharp lines and angles of the window shutters, which indicate the containment and safety of reality, allow the eye to travel to the world that awaits outside. The pale yellow of the moon contrasting against the darkening blue of the sky immediately draws attention to the center of the piece, where the ominous shadow of the hook reminds the audience of the ever-present danger in Neverland. However, because the hook is merely a shadow, there is not enough fear to completely discourage a journey outside the nursery. All the light comes from that place in the distance, which initiates a desire to be closer to the light.

This art has a way of combining all the themes from the original Pan story, in addition to advertising for Hook, without the use of any characters or text. Simply a collage of symbols and use of limited "dream-like" colors, this poster is enough to draw the audience in and convince
the people that Hook will be a continuation of the adventure that they have all come to know
and love.


List of Objects

Display Cube
Apple Logo
Skyscrapers
Sidewalk
Fountain
Sky
Lights
Windows


I think that this photo initially drew me in because of the Apple logo- I am a Mac fan. Then I started to notice the lines and the overall geometrical aspects to the picture. Instead of taking the photo directly in front of the display, the photographer chose to shoot so that the audience can see a corner of the cube and really get an idea of ingenuity of the building's design. The light issues from the display itself, and it is especially concentrated close to the ground and within the logo. Of course, the Apple logo is placed right in the center of the photo, almost acting as a heart for the picture. I love the way the lines of the three different buildings connect with each other. I also like the drastic angle that is created by the corner of the cube. I believe that this is a photo intended for an audience that, like me, is a Mac fan, or enjoys architecture, or is interested in scenes of New York. The photo functions as an ad for Apple by showing how advanced Apple is with its technology, even when creating a building.