Untitled Photograph
Dublin Core
Title
Untitled Photograph
Subject
Photography
Description
This untitled photograph by Zac Strum depicts a lone tree in a field at sunset from a shelter, half of the picture reflected in a puddle of water. I see this image as a subtle embodiment of ostranenie, or making strange, on several levels for its juxtapositions of the familiar and the strange.
On the surface is the juxtaposition of an equally idyllic and generic rural scene (one that should be familiar to any who has spent time in rural areas) with its own strange mirror image. More conceptually, there is a juxtaposition between the familiar symbolism of the subject and its mirror. A lone tree is often held to represent individualism and/or persistence, rays of light through clouds act as a sign for hope in the darkness, sunset as an ending, etc. The presence of a darkened mirror image bestows an opposing meaning on all of these metaphors: a dark side to a lone hero (Nietzsche's tree metaphor about roots struggling earthward into evil), a light which has been muted by reflection, and the mirrored sunset being framed on all sides by encroaching darkness. Due to the stark juxtapositions and rich symbolism, this photograph achieved the goal of ostranenie by disorienting me to this familiar location only a few miles from where I grew up.
On the surface is the juxtaposition of an equally idyllic and generic rural scene (one that should be familiar to any who has spent time in rural areas) with its own strange mirror image. More conceptually, there is a juxtaposition between the familiar symbolism of the subject and its mirror. A lone tree is often held to represent individualism and/or persistence, rays of light through clouds act as a sign for hope in the darkness, sunset as an ending, etc. The presence of a darkened mirror image bestows an opposing meaning on all of these metaphors: a dark side to a lone hero (Nietzsche's tree metaphor about roots struggling earthward into evil), a light which has been muted by reflection, and the mirrored sunset being framed on all sides by encroaching darkness. Due to the stark juxtapositions and rich symbolism, this photograph achieved the goal of ostranenie by disorienting me to this familiar location only a few miles from where I grew up.
Creator
Zac Strum
Source
Instagram @thetimestops
Date
03/29/20
Contributor
Conner Tomlinson
Format
Digital Image
Type
Digital Photograph
Files
Collection
Citation
Zac Strum, “Untitled Photograph,” COM/ENG 395, accessed December 3, 2024, https://com395.omeka.chass.ncsu.edu/items/show/209.