minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Introduction:
This month is different from any other, so this month’s Master’s discussion will be different, too.

These are not iconic images by famous masters. In fact, I am not sure who the photographer was for the first image which was shot two days ago in New York and distributed through Getty and ABC. I tried to find images that might capture the situation we now find ourselves in as Americans and citizens of the blue planet as a whole.

The first image is a journalistic shot of the USNS Comfort, as it sailed to into the harbor of New York City, past the Statue of Liberty. Comfort brings a much needed 1000 bed full service hospital to provide support for the unbelievable health disaster New York has reached before the rest of us.

The second image is a digital painting by North Carolina artist Cynthia Decker entitled “The Introvert”. (The pandemic has turned almost all of us into introverts whether or not that was our original personality type.) Though trained in traditional painting, Decker has created her artwork digitally since the days of the Apple II computer. She says she creates her art as visual stories open to the interpretation of the viewer.

There are no references this time. We are simply asking you to consider these two images, and offer your response to either of them, or both. Here’s a few questions just to spur your thinking.

Questions for Consideration of either or both of these images
What do you make of the composition? The use of color? Does the image tell a story? Is it memorable? Would you want to own it or look at it more than once?
Does one of the images speak more to you about the current crisis? Which one and why?
What is the value of art in a time of life threatening crisis?
Have you seen or made an image that speaks strongly to the current crisis? If so, please share it or link it for others to appreciate.

fair use https://abc14news.com/2020/03/30/pictures-usns-comfort-hospital-ship-arrives-in-new-york-city/

(Download)

fair use: https://cynthia-decker.pixels.com/

(Download)

repleo Loc: Boston

I like the first one. The near monotone colors remind us of these dark days and the ship's somber mission, while Liberty's glowing patina shines like a beacon of hope and ultimate victory over this scourge.

The second one is a nice image, but I don't relate it to our current predicament. Although most of us are physically locked into our safe shells, I think an enduring memory will by the way we have been able to reach out through the walls and miles to loved ones, work colleagues and old friends. I have spent mote time communicating with my siblings in the last two weeks than the previous two years.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Thanks for your thoughts. I agree with your take on the symbolism in the first image.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

The first image reminds me of the iconic images from WW ll or Vietnam. Long after this “war” on an unseen enemy is over, this photo will endure. I think this particular shot works better in color than B/W. There is just enough color shown with the Statue of Liberty against the pale blue sky and white of the ship.
The second shot and this is a stretch at least for me represents the hoarding that is presently going on. However instead of toilet paper it is books.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Not being an American the USNS doesn't really "grab" me however I can relate to the sentiment of it.

The cat pic is a "nice", and interesting, picture however that is it.

Quote "What is the value of art in a time of life threatening crisis?"
It takes a far distant place. This is from personal experiance with my wife being in hospital for the last two weeks, and she will not be comming home, ever (dementia). I find it hard to be real creative at this time.

Here is one image (there are a couple of similar images in my flickr stream) I created a week or so ago.
.

(Download)

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

The second one really speaks to me. The pair looking at each other through the window, the mounds of books read, and the coffee cup left behind all speak eloquently of isolation.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

Documenting the arrival of the USNS Comfort is certainly a moment to memorialize. That said, there are a number of things that I take exception to with this composition. The Statue of Liberty is dead center and reads almost as if it were attached to the deck of the ship. Just as a bird in flight photo, having been cropped just shy of its nose, the ship has very little sense of arriving. The vignetting appears to be a result of the lens, but it further pushes our eye to the distant statue, and further negates the ships presence. So my feeling is, that this particular capture of the event is not outstanding. I do also think the folks on the ship should be a bigger part of the story, and a more zoomed in shot that made them less ant like would put at least a little more human element into the folks who are at the heart of ships purpose. I think a better shot could have been taken a little earlier, when the gaze of Lady Liberty was apparently directed at the ships arrival, rather than its almost having already passed by.
The second photo has a light hearted feel to it, not dissimilar to a Rockwell painting.

SpyderJan Loc: New Smyrna Beach. FL

I am not impressed with the first shot. It is just one of hundreds that were taken of the same subject, and this is not the best by a long shot. Now the second shot is much more than a stock photo. It is a work of art and I think it depicts isolation very well. I was captured by the attention to detail and composition. The stack of books leads me to the cat and her glance leads me to the dog. I can feel the frustration brought on by the self-quarantine. Just as fergmark suggested, it reminds me of a Rockwell. It belongs in a museum.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

#1 is a fair attempt to capture something of the spirit of the times. The Statue of Liberty is a good symbol of NY and America as a whole, and she's looking down attentively on what is obviously a hospital ship making a port call in NY. The photo's making a statement and it doesn't have to be anything fancy - in fact it's probably better because of its simplicity.

I'm struck by the irony that this ship is a welcome sight here whereas in other parts of the world the passengers can't wait to get off of their cruise ships. In any case it's a good reminder that in some places the epidemic has reached crisis point and resources are being taxed to their limit.

IMO #2 doesn't reflect the times. It looks like an academic's studio apartment and to me it doesn't convey a sense of isolation. However, the examples in THIS link do reflect the isolation that is widespread at this time, and they were all taken from the safety of the great outdoors.

You ask "What is the value of art in a time of life threatening crisis?" I would say the most valuable influences at times like this are the positive, uplifting ones. We don't need reminders of how potentially depressing the situation is and I would recommend that any would-be artists look elsewhere for their poignant images and statements. Uplifting images, on the other hand, are always welcome and beneficial, and can speak to us at least as strongly as the darker ones.

These issues aside, I don't need art to inform me how to think or feel. And I certainly don't care for the mainstream media trying to influence my perceptions by flooding my world with negative "doom-and-gloom" imagery, sentiments and news items. I sincerely hope that the doom-and-gloom merchants will be called to account one day. Their contribution to our world is negative and potentially very damaging.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

The first does remind me of some of those images from wars. Indeed, this IS a war, too, just a different kind against an invisible but deadly enemy.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I am so sorry about your wife. If your situation is anything like ours here, it may be difficult or impossible to visit. I related to your challenge with creativity. I have time but no spirit. But I do beg to differ. Your posted image is pretty darned creative, much better than anything I've done!

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

The second speaks to me too. New York and its heartbreaking problems and its mercy ship seem very far away from my area, where confused people are making terrible mistakes in a world of limited resources, both economic and medical. I feel trapped in my house away from the people I love, though with a canine companion and plenty of books.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I agree with your comments on the shortcomings of the image. I suspect there are better composed captures of the event. Based on recent reports about the shortcomings of the ship's deployment thus far, perhaps Lady Liberty knew something we didn't know at the time.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Thanks for your detailed comments. I hadn't considered the irony of perceptions of the different kinds of ships involved.

Extremes are problematic on either end. This is a time for facts rather than political bloviation. Media where I live have tended towards presenting the pandemic as a hoax, and the disease as nothing more than a bad cold. This has left people terribly confused when confronted with Shelter In Place orders, consequently we have a sizeable subset of people who are simply ignoring it and doing as they please, which is spreading destruction to everyone.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

For those who might be following the thread and thinking about the question of the value of art in times like this, here's a project sponsored by the Getty in Los Angeles with some images that are guaranteed to make you smile even for just a moment.https://www.sadanduseless.com/recreated-art/
Maybe it will inspire your own creativity!