Response to Work by Gottfried Helnwein Part 2

How does this change in viewpoint change your interpretation of the image?

Image #3 shows the actual work by Helnwein after being installed. From this viewpoint you can see the size and location of the work. The first image you saw (Image #1) was a photograph documenting the installation of this large-scale image.  

With that in mind, describe Helnwein's image in as much detail as you can and in a separate post, record your answers on your Blog. Look at the image closely (Click on it to enlarge). What do you see? Describe it as if you were recounting it in detail to someone who had never seen it. Think about the scale--how could the size affect the meaning?  Think about the material, the logistics and engineering of mounting it.  Is it one contiguous image or is it spliced together or can't you tell? Think about the location--is it urban? Rural? Residential? Industrial? Given the image's location, who do you think will see the it? Who is the intended audience? Describe the mood of the image. What is the expression on the girl's face? Is it blase? Is it engaged? Is it optimistic? Wondering? Melancholy?

Now that I see the images from the real viewpoint, my interpretation has changed completely. It is not a photoshopped image and I feel it does not represent a bigger idea anymore. The original photo is of a giant billboard, larger than one I have ever seen. The young girl that I saw in the first image, covers the entire billboard. Her pale, emotionless face and head are the only things shown. The man that appeared to be repelling on rope, was actually doing so in real life. He is about the size of her iris and pupil, and again he is not photoshopped in. Because the first image was just a photograph documenting the installation of the billboard, I feel my interpretation has no meaning now. Now, I feel that the size of the young girl on the billboard was meant to emphasize her emotion, and has no relation to the man making his way down the board. The image on the billboard is not one contiguous image, zoomed in, there appears to be a few separated pieces that were put together. It is most obvious above her left eye, there are visible perforations where the two pieces would have come together. It is impressive enough that they were able to assemble pieces of this image, it is so large! At first glance, the location of the billboard appears to be in a very run-down industrial town. Then, after a closer glance, there are some houses with chimneys in the background of the third photo. If this was near a residential town, it would be very effective because parents and adults would be able to feel sympathy for the younger child as they drive by it. It would also appeal to the emotions of grandparents or elderlies because of the young child's expression. I believe adults of all ages are the intended audience. This piece made me fell sad for the girl and curious as to what her situation is. The title, "The Last Girl," evokes enough emotion within itself. Her expression also adds to the mood, she is emotionless and does not look concerned. Overall, I am surprised by the size of this image and have an entirely different interpretation after seeing the real product.