Study Task 1 - Image, Idea, Context

My chosen piece of illustration was this character by Ben Bauchau. As an image the drawing appears to be built up using layers of muted, pastel colours, each layer translucent as to show through the marks underneath. The figure therefore exists almost at one with the freeform shape that makes up the background, especially as his legs are only partly outlined. It is interesting that the character's jumper is so dark, especially against the lighter, subdued colours; it could be to give the shape a grounding or a source. The mark making throughout is loose and suggestive, at points the colouring leaving the outlines. This could be used to suggest movement; the figure looks as though he is falling and the freeform shape evoking the appearance of a flame. 

Although the concept behind the illustration is not clear, the falling form of the character could have been inspired by the famous falling man photograph from the disaster of 9/11; the suggestion of a flame backs up this theory. The falling motion could also be used to symbolise an inner struggle and plummet, as opposed to a literal and physical one, suggesting a characters emotional decline. The blank yet piercing expression on his face aligns with this idea. However the piece remains ambiguous and alluring, with it's eerie atmosphere and possible narrative motives, hinting at but not making clear the characters position. The fact that the character is left on the page alone with only the form behind him gives it no real context, with no background or setting, leaving this up to the viewer to interpret. It could however be a section from a graphic novel, judging by the rest of Bauchau's work, which consists almost solely of characters, animals and figures. The audience for the piece still remains unclear but the purpose being part of a larger story seems fitting. 

I found the image on Juxtapoz Magazine website as I was browsing the illustration section. The layering of the colours first caught my eye, the clean tones of the muted purples and pinks warping around the figure creating an organic flow to the form of the figure. This was most likely achieved digitally, but could have been done by hand, perhaps with watercolour. I am also really attracted to the figure itself, the way the limbs are exaggerated and the marks loose, something I strive to develop in my own work. I admire when illustrators are able to form figures in a loose way, giving them a surreal quality and almost other worldly appearance.