Alex Mandel
Visible Systems
Joshua Korenblat
1/2/16
Composition Analysis
Space:
The sand underneath these flamingos
represents the white space in this
photograph. It is visually pleasing
because this space occupies about one
third of the image while the vibrant
flamingos create a form in the middle.
There is also an area of white space within the flamingo. The white space (sand) is very open while
the flamingos are very compacted.
Unity:
It is interesting to think about the visual unity in this piece. The focus is the flamingos and they
are seen as a form because of their proximity and similarity.
PLP:
The grouping of the flamingos and the form they create is the plane. Each flamingo may be seen
as a point, while the circular white space inside the flamingos is seen as a point from far away.
Gestalt:
The togetherness of the flamingos and their natural/unnatural arrangement makes their sum
more impotent than their individual features. Closure is in place here with the flamingos
creating the shape of a single flamingo, and we see this as a stable, complete form. There is also
continuation as the eye first looks at the top/head of a figure and makes its way to the right. Also,
the water on the sands surface condenses and continues o the page on the right.
Balance:
Asymmetry is shown here relating back the white space and shape of the subject. Although your
eye may go directly to the center of the plane as a whole, the subject is o centered and the water
behind it brings your attention away from the center and throughout the photo.
Dominance:
The size of the flamingo and the distance from which the photo was taken makes the form
feel dominant within the picture frame. The color also makes it the most dominant form in
comparison the sand/water underneath, which creates contrast.
Hierarchy:
Here the flamingo form is what is most important. The browns of the sand serve as middling
material with equal important throughout the picture frame.
Color:
There is a warm color scheme here, and the vibrant pink of the flamingos brings my attention
there first.
Is it ultimately persuasive in your mind? Yes
This photograph is ultimately persuasive in my mind because it is relatively easy to interpret. The
elements of PLP and gestalt stand out as meeting my needs. The closure and continuation in the
photograph are strong features, while there is an interesting balance between seeing the flamingos
in the photograph as points verses planes. There is a good balance used here with all the elements
of graphic design working together to create a successful image.