CRITIQUE

Title: Lucid Dream

Facts: His work considers the state of the earth. His images combined performance, sculpture, photography and painting. 

Critique: In this image you can see a man sleeping but he seems to be sinking in the ocean with some of his simple belongings at the same time (umbrella, lamp, hammer, bucket, typewriter). I think that the layout works well because there are not too many objects, only enough to keep the observer intrigued for more than a split second. Having the picture be in black and white instead of in color makes it easier to see and more dramatic to the eye. The photographer uses the fact that the picture is in black and white to his advantage by showing the ripples in the water, the way the bed sheets float and become transparent and even the splashes in the water caused by a falling object. All of these affects make the observer wonder, is the man in his dream? why is he in the middle of the ocean? is his life just simply falling deeper and deeper towards disaster? I think that by titling the art work as " Lucid Dream", lucid meaning transparently clear or easily understandable, the piece says that as life goes on things become more clear and some almost so clear that they could possibly have a reflection affecting the world. I believe that the artist was successful in portraying their message through the picture. It also kept me interested because I am very intrigued by composite pictures. The textures, shadows and attention to detail make this image interesting, therefore I would not change anything about the image.