Mateo Micucci

ABBAS (1944).

Abbas is an French/Iranian photographer who is known for his photojournalism in many southern county such as Vietnam, South Africa, Iran, Cambodia and more. Abbas has also used his photography and writing to tackle complicated topics like religion and apartheid; completing projects on Buddhism in Cambodia, Apartheid in South Africa, Islam, Christianity, and recently Judaism. 

 Colonel S.J. MALAN, 

Director of the Police School

                           SOUTH AFRICA. Hamanskraal. 1978                             for Black people, with trainees.

Description

1. My first in impression was the bare chests of the black trainees and how it contrasts with their white shoes. 

2. The work portrays the apartheid of of the time period.

3.Although the white Colonel is at the forefront of the photograph, and is made to look like the largest figure by the lens, the long vertical lines grab the viewers eye and draws them toward the black and half naked trainees behind him; making them the subject.

4. When examining the photograph one notices long rectangles or squares, as well as the smooth black texture of the trainees skin. One is also drawn by the bright whites of the shoes that contrast with the dark colors in the rest of the photograph.

5. There vertical lines organize the photograph, especially a very powerful vertical line found right in the middle that grabs the viewers focus. There is also a large depth of field probably cause by a wide angle lens, thus making closer figures (Colonel) seem larger, while figures further away (trainees) seem smaller and smaller.

Analysis

1. What stands out in the photo is the nakedness of the trainees compared to the clean well dressed military uniform of the Colonel, reflecting the apartheid of the 1970's in South Africa.

2. As mentioned before, Vertical lines organize the photograph. 

3. The white shoes and white shirt and skin of the Colonel contrast well with the darker shades and colors found in the rest of the photograph.

Interpretation

Taken in South Africa during the late 1970's, the photo is obviously portraying the apartheid of the time. Though the photograph shows a different side of apartheid, a side where Black South Africans are given the opportunity to train in order to participate in the policing of the country. However, even though they are given this opportunity, apartheid is still made present by the fact that they are not given proper clothing for training, and are simply being used to quell black and white tensions of the time. When looking at the photograph, I seem to get an unsettling and uneasy feeling, one cause by disgust and anger (though those words might be a little too strong).  For some reason, in makes me think of Hitlers Germany and the ensuing concentration/labor camps. 

Evaluation

1. My first impression did not change, in anything it was enhanced. It is a very powerful photo, considering the time period. 

2. I do think it was a successful photograph. The photographer expertly uses lines, shapes and depth of field to organize the photo and draw the viewers eyes where he wants them.

3. I do find it unique. Photojournalism, as a medium, communicates humanity, good and bad. I think this photograph leaves allot of unanswered questions as to what is really going on within it, however it captures an interesting perspective during an impactful time period in history.

4. Haha, I would love to try. Maybe I'd make Abbas proud. 

5. They do.

6. Yes, Abbas expertly set up the shot.

7. Yes. In fact, as soon as I have the money, I will buy it; along with others.

8. Allot.

9. Incredibly so.