A Sample of Fine Arts Paper: Edward Burtynsky’s Photography

Students pursuing fine arts are sometimes required to analyze work of others. It is through criticizing such works that they are able to gain key skills in developing pieces of arts that are unique and that communicate different types of messages in various ways. We have provided you with a sample of a fine arts paper that focuses on analyzing Edward Burtynsky’s Photography.

A Sample of Fine Arts Paper – Personal Thoughts on Edward Burtynsky’s Photography

Based on a comprehensive review of Edward Burtynsky’s works, it is undeniable that he uses his photographic prowess to demonstrate different landscapes. Most of his graphics present descriptive insights of global industrial sites. In my opinion, none of his works can be negatively criticized for not delivering the intended message. Remarkably, his photographs are highly authentic as he does not exaggerate the designs. As a staunch enthusiast of landscape designing, Burtynsky’s work resonates well with me. I am impressed by his careful use of the various elements and principles of photography, such as line, perspective, and balance. Although most of his works are in black and white, one can understand the underlying theme.

            Additionally, Burtynsky’s photographs have not only been used to facilitate the urban development of Ukraine but have also been applied in other parts of the world. They have been used to transform the outlook of how people relate with the natural environment, especially in the United States. For example, the Free Thinking Energy and Landscape photograph greatly inspired me due to the manner in which the artist manages to develop the central theme. It portrays how the impacts of human activities on the natural and urban environments affect the process of city planning. Apart from the Free Energy and Landscape, the Creators Project is an evolutionary art piece as it guides filmmakers who strive to use technology to influence their creative works. My immediate response to the work of Edward Burtynsky is that it is exemplary and professionally designed.

Analysis of a Burtynsky’s Work

            One of Edward Burtynsky’s works, China, creates a unique impression of China’s major infrastructural development. The photograph captures a panoramic view of the Three Gorges Dam Project which is critical for the survival of coal and steel industries in the country. At the foreground, the dam is overlapped by an area where several boats stand. Electricity transmission lines are also visible as well as the pylons.Interestingly, the photograph shows a factory and a settlement in the midst of the dam. Such a landscape design creates an expression of the architectural advancement of the Chinese construction industry.   Evidently, Edward Burtynskyhas applied several elements of art in capturing the scene. For example, he uses different forms of color, intensity, hue, and value to highlight the most critical components of the project. Through the use of varying color intensity, the photographer manages to create an impression of the relative distance of various objects. With regard to shape, Burtynsky deviates from the conventional 2-dimensional objects to the more advanced and detailed 3-dimensional perspectives. This is evident as one can observe the length, width, and breadth of all elements in the photograph.

            Apart from the elements of art, Burtynsky employs principles of design such as balance. The organization of the various elements in the photograph creates an impression of stability with regard to perspectives (Getlein, 2012). Burtynsky also uses asymmetrical balance due to the fact that none of the sides reflect the design of the other. Again, he captures the scene proportionally as indicated by the relationship between the objects with respect to size and elevation. However, Burtynsky deliberately violates the rule of proportional objects to achieve certain objectives.

Discussion of Two Works

Oil Spill #1

            With regard to Oil Spill #1, Edward Burtynsky depicts the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. .The photograph shows the ocean covered with dark patches of oil amidst raging waves. The main motivation behind this work is the quest to raise an awareness of the importance of maintaining environmental health. Burtynsky also seeks to emphasize that the failure to observe safety standards can lead to serious disasters.

The photographer demonstrates his rare ability to use several principles and elements of design. For example, he captures the curved lines which depict the motion of waves in the oil-covered ocean surface (Getlein, 2012). Again, Burtynsky uses abstract shapes to represent the turbulent movement of the waves. To further enhance his work, he uses principles such as emphasis and rhythm. The former is evident in the work, especially on the ship,which is distinguishable more than other components of the picture. Indeed, emphasis is one of the techniques used to attract the attention of the audience. Burtynsky captures rhythm in the photograph by highlighting the repetitive movement of the waves.

Oil Bunkering #2

Oil Bunkering #2 is one of the Burtynsky’s works that promotes the reclamation of bare land. It is considered one of his successful landscape photography. Evidently, it demonstrates a successful application of elements and principles of design and photography. Notably, Burtynsky captures different line forms, which creates an impression of length and direction (Getlein, 2012). Additionally, value, which is an essential component of art, has been achieved as some vegetation is lighter in color than others. To achieve the principle of design balance, the photographer depicts some plants as greener than others in order to portray the debilitating effects of oil wastes on the environment. Most importantly, Burtynsky maintains contrast as indicated by the notable difference between the various elements in the photograph.

 

References

Getlein, M. (2012). Living with art (10th ed.).New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

 

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