« Postcard | Main | Harvey Pekar »
November 01, 2005
Marion Jones Photo
Photo Analysis: Marian Jones, Raleigh, NC Taken by Annie Leibovitz
Studium:
The given information on the back of this photograph says that the photographer is Annie Leibovitz, with a woman named Marion Jones as the subject of the photo. It was taken in Raleigh, North Carolina, but no date is provided. In the center of this black-and-white photo is a woman. She is black. Although she is in the center of the photo, her body is moving to the right, which would be straight ahead from the Jones’ point of view. We can tell that she is a running, and has just started because one foot is still in contact with a start block. She is looking straight ahead, so we see the side profile of her face. As for clothes, she is wearing a black leotard that is similar to a swim suit. Around her neck is a metallic chain, and she is wearing stud-earrings. Her head is shaved and her face looks very masculine. The muscles in her body are evident, and some are flexed, particularly those in her lower leg. Her sneakers are bright white with black trim. Most of the picture is in focus except for her hands that appear fuzzy, as does her right foot. Underneath her is a grassy surface, and in the distance, another stretch of land that is separated from her by a body of water. The sky in the background is clear.
Punctum:
This is a photo of a determined woman. She is looking straight ahead, in the direction that her strong body is moving. A look of concentration consumes her face, and her jaw appears to be clenched. The fact that her hands are not in focus, shows movement. We can’t tell what her nationality is because there is no indication of this, but because the name given is Marion Jones, we know that she is probably American. She is likely a professional athlete, perhaps one that is practicing for an important competition, or to prove to herself that she is capable. The jewelry that she is wearing also suggests that she has money, and her shoes are new, possibly never used before. The fact that she has time and money to devote to extreme exercise shows that she is at least making a sufficient income. She looks like an athlete who has had a lifetime of training, without a single flaw in her toned body. Even her head is shaved, which may show what she holds valuable in her life. Femininity and appearance are probably not first on her list, but rather her low-maintenance lifestyle to give her energy to training.
It is interesting that she is running on grass, with an image of nature in the background, rather than a man-made track. In this photo, there are actually very few indications of the interference of man with nature, with the exception of the human subject. This may be an indication that her focus and talent is very natural and beautiful. Also, the image could be reminiscent of the history of athletics. With the exception of her clothing and jewelry, this woman could be placed in any time in history, her type of legacy and mindset being eternal and repetitive throughout history. This takes the emphasis off of her own identity by using it as a broad statement about athletes and ideals.
Posted by lcishagan at November 1, 2005 06:54 PM