alec soth

This image is from Alec Soth's book Dog Days, Bogota. I view this image as an environmental portrait because living spaces say a lot about people and the intimacy of being in someones room. This image grabbed my attention because I think the room itself is interesting, and seeing this room makes me wonder who occupies it. The stains on the wall stand out against the all white interior which makes me think that the room is very old, despite the cartoon on the wall, which I would associate with a child's bedroom. The green light bulb is also interesting because who uses green light as a primary light? I also find the bareness of the room interesting. The light doesn't have a shade, the interior is all white, and except for stains and one cartoon image there is nothing on the wall. You cannot see what is plugged into the wall, and you barely get a glimpse of some sneakers in the lower left corner of the image. Even the bed is bare, except for one pillow which is covered by the comforter so it may not even be a pillow. I like the soft lighting coming from the window because it gives a slight glow, which is beautiful, yet it contrasts with the dirty walls. When I was studying black and white film I would often photograph bedrooms as a way to explore people and the interactions that take place in privacy so I appreciate this image. I feel like there is a story waiting to be told about this place or the person that lives in this place, but I like that it remains a mystery and relies on the viewers imagination to create the story. This image makes me think that someone has lived in this room for pretty much their whole life, and the accumulation of stains represent different events and a gradual wearing of just someone being there. Maybe the cartoon on the wall is the only thing that remained on the wall over time, or maybe it was the only thing put up at all. The size of the bed makes me wonder how many people sleep in that room. I like these questions the image force me to ask myself and the lighting and composition make the image beautiful and interesting to look at.