Sadie Hinton

Professor Smith

English 101

October 13, 2016

Visual Text Analysis

Originally most wouldn’t have guessed that a piece of art could be analyzed almost in the same way a text could such as a poem, story, etc. When looking through the many pieces of art the observer can begin to realize the message. But are they consciously recognizing each element that is leading them to that conclusion? Not in most cases. This image is of a woman in a white lengthy skirt, topless with her arms and hair flung back. All sorts of colors, spirals, butterflies, etc. are breaking out of her chest with immense strength. The artist took this piece and created it with strong contrast, high saturation, spotlight, positioning and heavy detail to convey the message of individuality within each human being. 

The bright colors are what stands out the most at first glance. Bright colors and the rainbow in general are most heavily associated with individuality and creativity. These colors can also be interpreted as the different emotions expelling out of just about anyone as well. With the background being so dark and black, the colors stand out even more which puts even more emphasis on this message. The artist is screaming with emotions when doodling out each swirl and line. These emotions are more figuratively being put on paper. Along with the color, the shape and movement of the images are very whimsical in nature. With this it can be related to that of a “free spirit”. When thinking of the idea of a free spirit, one can imagine someone living to their full potential and expressing all their strengths. 

Out of all of the many colors and images existing outside of her body, the beautiful butterflies seem to be the only thing that truly resembles something of true significance. These butterflies seem to live in everyone and for this individual they are finally breaking out. When they are stuck inside someone then they aren’t living to their full potential just like the person. The artist is portraying the unique elements of this person breaking out so that this woman can finally be what she was born to be. In this, the butterflies tie the entire message of individuality within each person together.

One of the most striking elements (after the vibrancy) would have to be the positioning of the woman in the image. She is placed dead center with a spotlight on her so our attention goes straight to her after analyzing the colorful ribbons coming out of her chest. Her arms and hair are flung back almost like she was blasted with a gust of wind. This position of arms and hair are a sense of expressing how strong these emotions coming out truly are. Everyone has their own individual passions that drive them to do something and be someone that they are proud of and those are the reasons for the strength against her body throwing her hair and arms backwards. With this strength, there can also be a sense of resistance or delayed existence. People aren’t usually very quick to be who they really are and most will resist the temptations of living to the fullest potential. Over time the build-up of these emotions become stronger and stronger as the person resists which in the end would make the force even stronger when the person finally lets go of that barrier. 

Last but not least, the elements of her clothing or lack of clothing contribute to the message as well. She’s expressed as wearing a long white flowy shirt and no top. With that, it can be interpreted as her in her prime with all the innocence. White is usually associated with almost being angelically innocent. When someone isn’t letting out all their quirky elements of their personalities they could almost be considered innocent because they don’t express any edge. The woman also being portrayed topless shows her vulnerability. When someone finally decides to express themselves to the fullest they are leaving themselves vulnerable to those that may judge or disagree with them. 

All in all, each image ever created is created with a purpose. If anyone just takes the time to look at each element, they will be able to find the different pieces that are creating a specific message. In this one in particular, the artist is using each element of the image to convey the message of individuality within each person. He/she uses all sorts of color, lines, positioning, etc. to make sure this message is presented to the observer as well as possible.

Work cited

Zeila. Deviantart.com , 7 November 2011