Perspective

Perspective is widely used in art to either create a sense of open or confined space within an image, and each gives a varying effect on the artwork in which it is used in. For example, a piece with an open perspective would provide the viewer with a transporting perception of atmosphere, opening up the image in which they're viewing and allowing a sense of freedom to be induced. A piece with a more confined use of perspective, however, would have the opposite effect - and instead the viewer will typically feel more enclosed and even uncomfortable with what they're viewing, the sense of freedom being switched for entrapment.

Alfred Stieglitz was an American photographer with a determination to prove that photography was a medium capable of providing the same artistic expression given by more typical mediums, such as drawing and painting. He achieved this through taking a variety of expressive photographs of different subjects from people to the streets of New York.

Two photographs which he took of New York in particular help convey a sense of open spaced perspective. As you can see the scenes captured in both photographs have the ability to make the viewer feel as if they are actually stood within that area, and because of the expanse in each image the viewer is able to feel relaxed. This is strikingly interesting as the photographs are black and white, and these monochrome tones are what often make confined imagery reflect a sense of unease.

The people captured within the first photograph help fabricate an atmosphere, and the idea that they're going about their daily lives again reinforces the relaxed feeling of the image, creating a sense of normality. The same applies to the second image, despite it's lack of hustle and bustle. A street view is something which is familiar to all of us, and thus again we are given normality.

However, Stieglitz's photography also contains some examples of confined perspective - and it's interesting to see the contrast created between the two types.

This photograph in particular is a brilliant example of confined perspective because the nude subject takes up the entirety of the photograph and makes itself the inevitable focus. The viewer is forced to look at something which is considered personal and thus a shock factor is created - the feeling of entrapment and discomfort therefore exaggerated. The intimacy of such a subject (nudity) makes the photograph feel private, and although it is publicly displayed we are made to feel as if we are intruding on the moment in which the photograph was taken. When compared to the other two, open spaced photographs, it becomes evident that a confined perspective builds tension where as the open spaced perspective is more lenient, allowing breathing room for the viewer.

With all of this taken into consideration, it becomes clear that the use of perspective within art has an effect on both visual perception and emotion. A more open image is pleasing and easy to view - making it an enjoyable experience for the viewer. However, a more constricted image causes discomfort and the experience becomes less pleasurable. This makes the use of perspective in art incredibly important, especially if the artist desires a certain reaction to their creation, and the varied effects this particular aspect has on viewers is intriguing to observe.

Sources used:

• http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/stgp/hd_stgp.htm