Artwork: March 2009

My definition of manipulation is to change something in such a way that makes it more geared towards an idea you want it to embody or portray. Manipulation is a prevalent part of society, particularly in the media. The vast majority of images used as advertisements are manipulated to make the product more desirable. For example, an advertisement for acne cream would use a photo of a person's face, but manipulate it so that person's skin looks completely clear and flawless so the spectator will believe that acne cream will give you skin as clear as the person's in the advertisement. Manipulation is used in artwork as well to change or enhance colors or certain aspects of the piece the artist would like to have emphasized. Photography in particular can be manipulated to make the subject look more vibrant.

For my project I started off using an image of Michael Phelps and manipulated it to look like he was smoking (from his marijuana scandal) and made the background look psychedelic, as if he was high. For my final however, I found a photograph from the news of the plane that crashed into the Hudson Bay that I want to manipulate. I am amazed by the miracle that everyone survived that crash. I wanted to enhance this by inserting hands that place the plane into the water, as if the hands were protecting the plane and its passengers. Above the plane in the water I made the plane appear as if it was a ghost and morphed into a dove that flies away. The intent is to show the beauty of miracles and is for anyone who believes in the power of hope.