I chose the image “Dog and Masker,” from Rachels gallery. This image evokes aloneness or anonymity but still the desire to have a companion and be known. At first, I thought this image could represent religion and it’s need for followers, but looking into it further, I can see a stronger correlation between how people want to unknown but still want or need someone to be beside them. In the “Dog and Masker,” it is most prominent in how the masker is holding a leash connected to a dog. Dogs are known companions of their owners and there, I see the connection of wanting or needing a companion even though the desire to be unknown is present.
Using ‘The Good Eye’ (Rose 56), Semiology (Rose 106) and Discourse Analysis 2 (Rose 220) the images in the photo can be given meaning. Something that immediately popped out to me is how the Masker and the Dog are spatially organized (Rose 66). Neither the Masker or the Dog are set in the center of the image. This can denote that the desire to be anonymous and having a companion are both of importance. But looking at the image closer, the Masker and the Dog are not on the same plane. With this in mind, the viewer can get a sense that the desire to be anonymous is more important than being known.
Looking at the background of the image I see an institutional apparatus and technology (Rose 223). The ability to be alone or anonymous does come with a price at times and I see the glass as a representation of this desire costing something or being out of reach at times. With the glass case being the technology of the cost. The case shows that yes, it is visible, but you do need to pay for it some way. Whether that is monetarily or emotionally or at the cost of losing relationships, one can acquire being alone or being anonymous. Though this image can symbolize wanting to be alone and anonymous, this forces the reverse, companionship. One can not be without the other (Sturken and Cartwright 113).
You can not have the notion of being alone or anonymous without having the reverse of having a companion and being known. The conduit for this connection can be the leash. Leashes can be seen as an institutional technology (Rose 223) for control. People put pets on leashes to prevent them they from run away or going too far. Because of this, it gives power to the anonymity being able to control who knows them.
This image spoke to me about anonymity and companionship because of my own desire for both. Moving from a place where I could not be anonymous, to a school and a city that I have this aloneness or anonymity gives me this control and power of who I allow to know me. But in gaining this control, I paid the price of emotional pain and turmoil.
This image brings forth anonymity and companionship. Through the way the Masker and the Dog have equal space anonymity and companionship can be seen as equals. In this situation, anonymity is given importance and power. This is indicated by the Masker being more forward. With this power, it gives the Masker the ability to control when they have companionships with someone or something.
You must be a Rachel Tanur Memorial Prize applicant to submit an essay response.
One Essay Response
Matthew_Gleaves says:
I chose the image “Dog and Masker,” from Rachels gallery. This image evokes aloneness or anonymity but still the desire to have a companion and be known. At first, I thought this image could represent religion and it’s need for followers, but looking into it further, I can see a stronger correlation between how people want to unknown but still want or need someone to be beside them. In the “Dog and Masker,” it is most prominent in how the masker is holding a leash connected to a dog. Dogs are known companions of their owners and there, I see the connection of wanting or needing a companion even though the desire to be unknown is present.
Using ‘The Good Eye’ (Rose 56), Semiology (Rose 106) and Discourse Analysis 2 (Rose 220) the images in the photo can be given meaning. Something that immediately popped out to me is how the Masker and the Dog are spatially organized (Rose 66). Neither the Masker or the Dog are set in the center of the image. This can denote that the desire to be anonymous and having a companion are both of importance. But looking at the image closer, the Masker and the Dog are not on the same plane. With this in mind, the viewer can get a sense that the desire to be anonymous is more important than being known.
Looking at the background of the image I see an institutional apparatus and technology (Rose 223). The ability to be alone or anonymous does come with a price at times and I see the glass as a representation of this desire costing something or being out of reach at times. With the glass case being the technology of the cost. The case shows that yes, it is visible, but you do need to pay for it some way. Whether that is monetarily or emotionally or at the cost of losing relationships, one can acquire being alone or being anonymous. Though this image can symbolize wanting to be alone and anonymous, this forces the reverse, companionship. One can not be without the other (Sturken and Cartwright 113).
You can not have the notion of being alone or anonymous without having the reverse of having a companion and being known. The conduit for this connection can be the leash. Leashes can be seen as an institutional technology (Rose 223) for control. People put pets on leashes to prevent them they from run away or going too far. Because of this, it gives power to the anonymity being able to control who knows them.
This image spoke to me about anonymity and companionship because of my own desire for both. Moving from a place where I could not be anonymous, to a school and a city that I have this aloneness or anonymity gives me this control and power of who I allow to know me. But in gaining this control, I paid the price of emotional pain and turmoil.
This image brings forth anonymity and companionship. Through the way the Masker and the Dog have equal space anonymity and companionship can be seen as equals. In this situation, anonymity is given importance and power. This is indicated by the Masker being more forward. With this power, it gives the Masker the ability to control when they have companionships with someone or something.
You must be a Rachel Tanur Memorial Prize applicant to submit an essay response.