Persuasion by Priscilla B. Varner is a series of photographs each depicting
a specific object or place. To demonstrate the power of persuasion next to each
photograph there is a plaque with key words. The text varies between key words
drawing the viewer’s attention to those that are noticeably different. In doing
so Varner attempts to highlight specific cognitive interplays between
suggestive visual stimuli such as the differing noticeability between the words
and the photograph when viewed in differing orders.
One particular photograph
consists of a snowy scene around a monument. The photograph is also black and
white which highlights the snow scape and barren trees. There can be seen small
groups of people walking around the monument as well with the faint outline of
the Eiffel Tower in the background. In this instance reading the words cold,
dreamy, historic, soft, somber, unhurried, and whispers before viewing the
photograph would undoubtedly fixate the viewer’s mind on the calm, cool, and
collected nature of this photograph. Demonstrating a completely different
opinion of the photograph, a reversed sequence of viewing the photograph and
then the words may result in a completely different experience. In this way the
power of suggestion does not alter one’s perception so that the viewer is hindered
by competing thoughts and unable to determine their own opinion on the photographs
aesthetics. The power of suggestion works in a unique way with this specific
piece in the suggestion of related-yet deeper thoughts. Whereas normally a
viewer may only see the surface-level visuals of the photograph, the power of
suggestion can work as a guideline for viewers to engage in deeper thoughts and
internal discussion about the piece.
Another effective piece in
this gallery that used this persuasive theme cleverly as well was a photograph
of a plaza looking down with the words beside it of dangerous, incident,
questionable, mysterious, scandalous, and vacant. As discussed with the first
photograph, surface level viewer examination of this piece before viewing the
words would offer a completely different view; one of everyday life and hurry.
However, after examining the plaque and then the photograph there is a completely
different feel to it. This particular pairing of words and visual, unlike the
first photograph mentioned, does not seem to be an attempt to spark deeper
thinking of the viewer, but rather misguided thinking. In this photograph and
juxtaposing words it feels as if Varner attempts to see how far the limits are
of persuasion, to state something ridiculous about a scene and then have the
viewer determine whether or not to stop that line of thought, or continue with
it. This is a subtle inner hint within this particular piece itself that is
vital to expressing the overall theme of the gallery; the power of persuasion.
Varner uses many pairings
of words and photographs to evoke differing responses from the audience. The
tactics used to do so include suggestive guiding so as to promote critical
visual discussion from the viewer, and hyperbolized suggestions to better illustrate
the true power of the persuasive words on the photograph through the conscious
decision of the viewer to follow or disobey those persuasive connections. Both are
effective in communicating the overall power of persuasion and ultimately make
for an intellectually and visually stimulating gallery.
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