Introduction
For the analysis of the artwork, Oaxaca, Mexico, was chosen. It was created in 1988 by Eduardo Del Valle and Mirta Gomez. It is an example of a Chromogenic print piece of art. Today this artwork is located in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Different elements and design principles, such as Harmony, Color, and Line, were chosen to analyze this work. The detailed analysis of Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as the contextual analysis, will help to understand the features of this artwork and essential facts regarding the period of its creation. The use of geometry in the form of lines, together with harmony and a choice of colors, make Oaxaca, Mexico, the artwork, looking at which the human eye will not get tired.
Line
The first element used in photographs of Oaxaca, Mexico, which is important to consider, is the use of a line. When the person looks closely at the photo, one can see how the different elements in the form of lines combine with each other and go from one to the other (Carroll 258). There is not only the effect of harmony but contrast. For example, the plants that lie on the ground at the bottom of the photograph are aimed at those that grow out of the ground and are not yet torn. They grow high to the pole, which is the prototype of their continuation. Suddenly, the viewer notices how this process cuts the wire, which passes strictly perpendicular to the pole and the growing plant. Another example of perpendicularity is the chair, which is placed in the center of the photocomposition. Its elements, seat, and back are also either parallel or perpendicular to other objects in the photo. Lines in Oaxaca, Mexico, are an important tool for creating a harmonious perception of this photograph.
Harmony
The element of harmony in this photo is expressed by the absence of abrupt transitions in the composition. Objects located in the frame are static. This fact brings a certain peace and tranquility to the perception of photography, because there is no movement. Harmony is expressed in different elements such as color, composition, and geometry (Carroll 258). The authors of the artwork tried to depict reality in its natural tones and convey the peculiarity of the moment.
Color
Color plays a vital role in the perception of the photo work. Mainly in the photo, pastel colors are present. It is expressed by the pale green color of the leaves of the plants, the pale blue sky, the color of the remote hill in the background, and the light pink color of the clothes on the back of the chair. The viewer’s attention, however, attracts the contrasting purple and pink colors of flower buds at the top of the photograph. All three elements considered in the essay contribute to the refinement of photography by highlighting certain essential features. It gives the eye the pleasure of watching Oaxaca, Mexico, because of the different degrees of color contrast, the eye can relieve tension by considering parts of the photo.
Contextual analysis
For contextual analysis of Oaxaca, Mexico, the social information relating to this photo was chosen. When considering photographic work, it is essential to notice the objects in it, the premises of the shops in the background, and the absence of people. The place looks abandoned, and its habitability is evidenced only by fresh plants and clothes on the chair. The poverty of these places, expressed in social injustice, is one of the critical elements of the composition and atmosphere of photography.
Conclusion
The artwork Oaxaca, Mexico by Eduardo Del Valle and Mirta Gomez is an example of using elements such as Line, Harmony, and Color. As a comparison, it will be helpful to cite another work by these authors, Ticopo, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, which has lines and other elements that contribute to the pleasant tones of photography. Considering the features of Oaxaca, Mexico, and making the contextual analysis, one can understand why this artwork represents a harmonious combination of different elements that are pleasing to the eye.
Work Cited
Carroll, Noël. Classics in Western Philosophy of Art: Major Themes and Arguments. Hackett Publishing, 2022.