Visions as an art form

Commendation is due to photographer Frannie Fabian for her photo, which accompanies “Visions of Color” on the front page of the Jan. 22, 2009, Red and Black's Out-and-About section.

“Visions” is a story about a group of art students’ home that has been decorated with self-made works of art, but the most prominent display of art in the story is the photo of the artists themselves.

Fabian’s photo skillfully creates oneness amongst the artists and their art.

Using natural light and dressing the students in black, reds and deep purples that match the colors used in their art work, Fabian crafts a vibrant portrait of the artists and their work that expertly flatters the two. The colors compliment each other so well that it is almost difficult to distinguish between the artists in their home and their paintings exhibited behind them.

Through the article journalist Courtney Smith seeks to paint a portrait of the harmony that encompasses a house full of artists and their masterpieces. The three female student residents, who study at the University of Georgia’s art school, are portrayed in a positive light. They are quoted as stating that they get along great and appreciate each other because of their common interest: love of art.

Errors, however, abound in the article and spoil some of its charm. Commas are misplaced or nonexistent. For example, the quote “But we couldn’t just live in a house where every wall is just a plain beige so one day we just started hanging up everything on all of the walls,” is missing a comma between the words “beige” and “so”, and the date in the upper right-hand corner of Jan. 22, 2008, is an obvious mistake.

Also, the article lacks depth with its quotes coming entirely from the art students, who share the home. It would be interesting to see other students’ reactions to the house as well.

The article also neglects other areas of significance such as the students’ specific interests in art. Smith does a great job of describing the artists’ home, but fails to mention what the students like to draw or sculpt and where they find their inspirations.

The paintings that are displayed in the background of the photo give an indication of the artists’ talent but tell nothing of other individual works of art.

Overall, the human-interest article is well-written, providing the rest of the UGA student body with inspiration to get up and do something about the blank walls in their apartments.