“Portraits of an Unknown Man/Woman” Henry Sanderson. 1870. Oil on Paper.
This painting depicts an old man and a woman. The tone is very modest considering there is nothing revealed about these people. My reaction was the desire to know more about these people.
This painting represents a theme in my film: the power of information. As a member of a radio station’s news team, it is my job to hold a spotlight to people who have a story to tell. The news makes the voices of the unknown heard.
“B. B. King” Terrence A. Reese. 9/10/96. Westbury, NY
This was a photo taken of legendary blues guitarist B. B. King in his studio. The tone is very nostalgic because the photo is black and white, and the subject of the photo is now deceased. I was both intrigued and saddened by this photo knowing that this talented figure is now gone.
This photo serves as a metaphor for the humanization of prominent figures. The photo was taken in a very candid setting. We catch a glimpse of King in his working environment. The photo represents the ability for the news to bring important figures down to our level by showing us that outside of their fame, they are normal people like us.
“The History of Her Life Written Across Her Face” Margo Humphrey. 1991.
This painting features a woman’s face with a poem written across it. It details various stories of her life. The tone is very honest and vulnerable because the poem shares aspects of this woman’s life that is very personal. I found myself relating to the slice-of-life quality of the poem.
This painting is a metaphor for the shared experiences we all face in life. Most people have a story to tell, and the news serves to bring these stories to life. As a member of the news team, one of my jobs is to interview people to get their stories. The city of New Brunswick is full of people with unique experiences, and it is up to people like myself to give them a platform to share their stories.