William Eggleston Research Note

WILLIAM EGGLESTON 

I really like this image by William Eggleston, it really caught my eye and got me thinking of 1960's America with the classic diners and 'Grease' like trend of fashion. Something so simple as a sign (presumably for a diner) can spark so many different ideas about when the photo was taken, what were people doing, the sounds and the general vibe that surrounds just one image. Although the style of William Eggleston was to focus on colour of general life, shape was a huge part of his images and if you look closer the shapes are what makes the images so simple but effective. In this photo the different shapes are each a very bold colour making them appear very separate from one another. This is what attracts me to the image as the average person would overlook a sign like this but when photographed in the right way it holds a feeling of happiness and fun. Nothing about the image is perfect as its portraying everyday life, the sign looks old and slightly dirty but it still shows a boring life in a very interesting and fun way. 

This image gives a similar feel as the first in terms of everyday, imperfect life being shown in a more interesting and focused way. This image shows a kids tricycle which has a bold blue and red on it against a very dull and mundane background. To me, this represents the fun and light heartedness that childhood brings compared to later adult life. Again I think the colour is the main focus of the image as it makes the tricycle stand out and appear more fun compared to the background. Again the shapes in this image are important in making the photo as simple as it does but still having that effect. The tyres are one of the main focuses of the image and is where your eyes are drawn to first. The angle (from the floor) where this photo was taken from makes the tyres look taller than the building behind perhaps showing the unrealistic perspective of kids that everything is possible and their huge imaginations.

This photograph by William Eggleston reminds me of an old American scene. The simplicity of this image is what intrigues me the most, there is nothing spectacular in the photograph however it is still very interesting. It is composed of simple shapes, the main one being the square building itself. To me this is where my eyes are drawn first due to its saturated colour and the size of it within the image. This then leads me to the fence next to the building which is a similar shape, however slightly smaller and a very faded shade of yellow. The amount that the colour has worn away indicates that this area isn't particularly looked after, in fact it looks old and used. Although there isn't anything in particular in this image that is interesting the whole thing works together really well, the colour compliment each other and the simple shapes give the image a very fun edge. I especially like how there is no blank space in this image, not even in the sky. There is detail and texture on all of it which enhances the effect of the photo, even the sky has clouds that add detail.