Taylor+J+1RA

1RA Rough Draft - Group 4


 * Photo 1**: This photograph depicts a young women beginning the long process that is receiving a full body tattoo. While the method of tattooing, as apparent by the kit shown in the bottom portion of the picture, is significantly more painful then the modern method, she shows no fear, not even a wince.


 * 2/17/12**

Rhetor: Through this image I believe Bristol is trying to put a face on a previously unrecognized and purposely ignored face. This image was likely taken during or soon after WWII, a time in which there was a great paranoia and hostility towards foreign cultures, particularly the Japanese. This picture serves to show a deep, and traditionally oriented culture, where most of the west would simply see the enemy.

Audience: At the time the photo was published (likely shortly following the attack on Pearl Harbor), it is feasible to assume this image would insight anger simply because of the culture of its focus. I doubt many would take the time to appreciate the rhetoric of the piece in those times, but being as today much if not all of the animosity has subsided, it can be analysed in a new light. The fact that Horace Bristol would take such pictures in a time of such hatred is more enlightening in modern times more than ever, it speaks to the character of a man who would rather understand his foe, then destroy him.

Possible metaphors: The young women receiving her first tattoos can be seen as initiatory right of passage into the yakuza life. The split white and black curtains in the background could be a statement regarding the duality of such tattoos, for they both gain acceptance from some and lose it from others. The fact that the young woman is naked while the others are clothed could show her inexperience in the culture, but could also simply be for practical purposes.

Ethos: Ethically speaking, in the time of WWII I could see as how some may have interpreted the picture as treacherous, maybe even with a hint of treason. In modern times however, it would be hard to find someone who would look down upon Bristol for such photography.

Pathos: There is a sense of tranquility emanating from the image, there is a certain serenity amongst what can be assumed to be hard times for the Japanese people.


 * Photo 2**: The photo shows a young man holding the restraints of what looks to be a young man of the same age. The look on the man showing ownership to the other seems to be strict, unforgiving, as if about to reprimand or command.


 * 2/17/12**

Rhetor: The man in the foreground of the picture, presumably a slave to the man in the background(indicated by his bindings) is dressed in shabbier, dull clothing, and yet the light seems to shine on him more heavily than then his "owner". While in contrast, the owner is dressed in pristine robes and yet he resides in the shadows. Perhaps Bristol is trying to show that nature has a way of displaying the morality of the human condition irregardless of man's attempt to hide it.

Audience: The American people could have seen such a picture as an indication of savagery and an ethically immature culture, being as western culture had already abolished slavery.

Possible Metaphors: This image could serve to remind us that while this culture is vastly different than our own, they still underwent similar issues and struggles, showing to a degree, the similarity of all cultures.

Ethos: Ethically the modern common belief is the wrongfulness of slavery; in many this image may stir ill feelings, depending on the viewers own historical background.

Pathos: This image inspires pity for the man in the foreground, the hopeful look in his face towards the oncoming light representing the freedom we imagine all slaves as aspiring to have.


 * Photo 3**: This photo shows the removed skin of a Yakuza member, donated as art after his death. The removing of the skin shows how the art is not representative of the owner, or vice versa, but rather two separate entities.


 * 2/17/12**

Rhetor: Bristol may intend to showing art's ability to overcome the mortality of man. It does not die with the artist or even with a people in general, it is timeless and in that sense boundless.

Audience: I believe this image can inspire the same degree of curiosity today as it would have during its original display. The picture can not help but to form in the mind of its audience a multitude of questions, many of which's answers have most likely been lost in time.

Metaphors: The image goes to show that art is not constrained by the same limitations that people are.

Pathos: In some, the act of removing flesh from a deceased human may seem disturbing and even sacrilegious.

Ethos: Similarly to the image's pathos, the picture raised questions of whether or not removing the skin is a moral thing to do, even for the sake of art.


 * 2/27/12**

Trend: All three images exposes at tiny moment of foreign life, at the time of their publishment, one misunderstood and discriminated against. And while they may initially inspire a degree of malcontent, one cant help feel a sense if curiosity towards the subjects. Like a good book, they keep the audience wanting more, almost like a climax without the falling action.