St. Patrick's Day, Greeley Square, New York Possibly 1967 - 1988

Editor: This is David Vestal’s black and white photograph, "St. Patrick's Day, Greeley Square, New York," possibly taken between 1967 and 1988. It's a stark, snowy scene and immediately creates a sense of quiet isolation despite being in a city. What do you see in its composition? Curator: The photograph is intriguing because of the strategic use of tonality to evoke a specific feeling. Observe how the dominant shades of gray work to flatten the spatial planes, causing a tension between depth and surface. Note the way the lines of the benches and the path pull the eye toward the barely discernible figure in the distance. Editor: Yes, it almost feels like the background is consuming everything, like the city is fading away in the snowstorm. Why do you think he chose this particular composition? Curator: Consider the contrast of textures. The smooth expanse of snow juxtaposes sharply against the intricate lacework of branches and the geometric rigidity of the buildings. Vestal seems to draw attention to the inherent tension between nature and architecture through formal devices, like contrast and line. What is your reading? Editor: I see that tension now! I hadn't thought of it that way. At first glance, it just seemed like a wintery street scene. Looking at it through the lens of form makes it more impactful. Curator: Precisely! By analyzing these elements, we start to understand how the artwork communicates beyond its literal representation. The formal analysis allows for an investigation of visual qualities in any artwork to assess its possible impact on the audience. Editor: Thank you! I see photography in a whole new way now. I really appreciate your point about the formal elements giving the photograph an underlying tension. Curator: And I find your intuitive reading insightful as a starting point. This reminds me of how much the subjective feeling towards any work matters in analyzing form and construction.