Branin+final+installation

Materiality and Production
[|Chromogenic Print] - part of the //A Photographers Life: 1990- 2005//, collection. [|NPR's Review] of the collection and book and links to the other works.

Presentation and Market Value
This portrait is one of Leibovitz's lesser known works. But it has been presented in many galleries throughout the country on the //A Photographers Life// tour. The Corcoran Gallery's review of the [|Exhibit.] The work is also available in Leibovitz's book, //A Photographers Life: 1990- 2005.// The book weighs a total of 9 pounds and can be found online on most websites where books are sold.

Visual Grammar
The subject, Chris Rock, is looking at the audience. Demanding the audience to either look in to his eyes or to look away. The distance of the picture is at an impersonal level. And there is definitely involvement with the subject since the subject is looking straight at the audience. The photo is also action oriented. Upon first glance the viewers eye is directed straight to the striking white color of Rock's skin. The incredible contrast between the skin, the socks and the other colors of the photo is definitely intentional. The expression upon Rock's face also is something that the eye lingers on. His eyes are dark and haunting and the stark contrast with the white of his face is incredibly moving. The setting of the picture is taken at dusk and the foliage along with the lighting makes it evident that the picture was taken in the fall.

Theory / Meaning
The picture is in typical Leibovitz's fashion; the lighting, the placement of the subject and the coloring of the subject are all what Leibovitz does best. Its the striking change of Rock's skin that makes the photo controversial. This photo can bring up many different subjects of controversy, especially controversy concerning race and the inequality still present in society today. The photo is definitely something that is considered "Art." It has market value, the presentation appeals to art critics and connoisseurs and is visually stimulating. An individual can look at this photo and see lots of different sides to it. They can find meaning simply from the white of the socks. There is a story within the photo and there is meaning. Leibovitz staged the photo with intention of conveying a message. She wants the audience to think beyond just a staged picture of a celebrity. But the message that one takes from this picture is probably going to be different for everyone.