This is a very strange, yet thought provoking photograph.

The central object in this photo is the

tree, which adds to the entire atmosphere of gloom. There is a pensive-looking boy towards the

center right of the tree, sitting on one of its branches. He is surrounded by 3 masks, which are

all hung on various branches of the tree. The masks are all white, and seem to be made out of

paper. The tree is in a field of grass, and the central position of the tree only draws the reader

towards it, as if it is the center of attention in the photo. I think the most significant part of this

photo is the boy’s expression. The boy is staring off into the distance, oblivious of the

ominous-looking masks that surround him on the bare tree. It seems like a forest, or perhaps a

park. The boy’s expression only leads the viewers to question why he is there: what are the

masks positioned so? Is it a Halloween decoration and the boy is simply staring off into the
remaining decor left behind? After examining these elements, I would like to focus on the bigger

picture of Meatyard’s photography in general and what message Meatyard may be trying to

convey through this photo. From my research and reading of articles about Meatyard, I am

finding that Meatyard’s photos are mostly staged: none of them are natural or “candid.”

Everything is carefully designed and staged by Meatyard, in the pursuit of crafting a specific

image and resulting expression on the viewer. Applying this idea to this image, I think that

Meatyard’s main point of focus is on the boy. He wants us to take the perspective of the boy,

questioning the surroundings. The message is that Meatyard wants to convey a speculative,

questioning, and gloomy mood to the audience.

This is a haunting and evocative photograph. The focal point of the image is the tree on the left,

which imbues the scene with a sense of foreboding. Two masked figures can be seen in the
distance, one towards the center left and the other closer to the right. The masks are eerily

similar, with the same gray, papery material, and both figures seem to be staring off into the

distance. The figure on the left seems to be staring off into the distance with a blank, emotionless

expression, while the figure on the right seems to be deep in thought, with a pensive and

contemplative expressionThe scarecrow in the center left (without a carving or detailed head!)

adds to the eerie atmosphere, as if it is watching over the scene. The tree is surrounded by a field

of tall grass, adding to the sense of isolation and emptiness. The most striking aspect of this

photo is the expressions on the faces of the masked figures. Their blank, emotionless masks only

serve to heighten the sense of unease and mystery in the photo. The viewer is left to question the

meaning behind the masks, and the reason for the figures' presence in this eerie setting. The most

striking aspect of this photo is the contrast between the grandeur of the marble base and the eerie,

otherworldly atmosphere created by the masks and the expressions of the figures. From my

research on Meatyard's photography, it is clear that he is known for his use of symbolism and

metaphor to create a sense of unease and mystery in the viewer. This photograph is no exception,

as Meatyard has masterfully crafted a scene that evokes a sense of otherworldliness and mystery

in the viewer. The message he seems to be conveying is one of the contrast between grandeur

and the eerie, and the viewer is left to ponder the significance of the marble base and the

presence of the figures in this eerie setting. It is also one of speculation and questioning, as the

viewer is left to ponder the significance of the masks and the presence of the figures in this eerie

setting.
This is a captivating and mysterious photograph. The central figure in the image is a young girl,

who is wearing a bright white dress that stands out in stark contrast to the black and gray

background. She is positioned towards the center left of the photo, and her position and attire

only add to the sense of otherworldly and ethereal atmosphere. The girl seems to be cradling her

face in her hands, and her blurred features only serve to heighten the sense of mystery and

intrigue in the photo. The background is a tangle of trees and leaves, giving the impression of

being deep in the wilderness. There is a branch on the right side of the image with a cloth

hanging from it, adding to the sense of unease and uncertainty. The viewer is left to wonder

about the meaning behind the cloth and the girl's position in the wilderness. From my research on

Meatyard's photography, I have found that he often uses surreal and dreamlike elements in his

work to comment on the nature of reality and perception. This photograph is no exception, as

Meatyard has masterfully crafted a scene that evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue in the

viewer. The message he seems to be conveying is one of the blurred lines between reality and

fantasy, and the idea that the truth is often shrouded in uncertainty.