Analysis Of Andrew On Plinth

Richard Learoyd is a British photographer, born 1966 – present, who utilizes a particular photographic processes called camera obscura, Latin translation “dark room,” to create his works of art. Learoyd designed and built his own room-sized portable camera obscura which sits adjacent to room his subject possess – separated by a singular lens. During this process, light falls upon the subject and is instantly fixated onto the photographic paper, no negative is produced. Learoyd’s approach to the visual arts produces an unfiltered and realistic view of the world surrounding him. For the purpose of this paper, I shall analyze Learoyd portraiture work titled, Andrew on Plinth; created in 2012, produced on a silver-dye bleach print and scales 48 …show more content…
Art work, despite the medium, embraces numerous visual elements that give birth to a finished work of art; such components include, but are not limited to: line, space, light and color. These elements are the building blocks that create masterful pieces while concurrently breaking down the meaning of the work in question. In relation to Learoyd’s, Andrew on Plinth, the formal elements of space and light are predominant. Notably, Learoyd’s piece depicts space in a few ways. First, notice the box on which Andrew rests his hands and head. The position of the box portrays a three-dimensional space within a flat surface. Examine Andrew’s left hand and arm lying flat on the top exterior of the box, creating one dimension; while his right hand overlaps his left and his arm falls down one side of the box, displaying a second dimension; thus, the adjacent side of the box remains bare and supplies the third and final …show more content…
Obviously, his work leans toward a more sorrowful interpretation, however I believe he captures real life in his still-photos. Now-a-days life seems to be dubious and everyone wants to portray a life that is none existent. Therein lies my fondest appreciation for Learoyd’s work. His ability to characterize Andrew true self in a beautiful fashion gives hope that we as human beings can still view one another for what and who we truly are – developing love and acceptance. Admittedly, I enjoy the choice of colors in his work as well, most display black and white with hues of gray. The shadowing effect from the light creates these wondrous shades of gray and they only add to the intense feelings I get when I look at this portrait. I am able to sympathize for the man and at the same time have empathy for him because I know what it is like to feel agony or go through hardship. For these reasons, I believe Learoyd’s Andrew on Plinth, and his other pieces, is successful – they resonate within