Visual Analysis Papers

Over the course of the semester, students are required to submit 3 visual analysis papers of 1,300 words each. Using visual and formal analysis as well as context discussed in readings and in class to explore the meaning of one or a pair of images. Students have the option of writing about the materials presented in different weeks, as detailed below.

Week 1

Write about the following photograph:

Week 2

Write about the following photograph:

Week 3

Niépce Photos

Photo by Nicéphore Niépce, "View from the Window at Le Gras." 1826 or 1827. Look at both copies of the photo - if you like, you may compare the two (even though they are technically the 'same' photo):

The first surviving permanent direct positive photo. The courtyard at Le Gras from an upstairs window.

Week 4

Write about the following autochrome by Fernand Cuville:

A group of four boys playing with multicolored wooden toys on a cobblestone street amidst rubble.

Week 5

Harcourt Photos

Compare the two photos:

Week 6

This photo was taken in August 2016. Released by Vantage News, no photographer named:

Week 7

Write about the following photograph:

 

Research & Investigation

Write about one of the two photographs, or compare them:

A hummingbird in mid flight. Twelve consecutive images of a pelican landing.

Week 8

Write about the following photograph, Henry Peach Robinson, "Fading Away" 1858:

A young woman reclining in her death bed surrounded by her family.

Week 9

You may write about a photo from the Tourneboeuf exhibition, as long as you did not already write about the photo in depth in your exhibition review.

Week 10

Tourism and Travel

Write about one of the two photographs, or compare them. Think this week about function as well as meaning.

Postcard of a jailed bare-chested woman posing with a tambourine above her head. Postcard of the Eiffel Tower with writing.