Annie eminates through every snapshot.

Michelle Obama by Annie Leibovitz

March 2009, Cover of Vogue

 

Well I having doing homework for my politics class all day, so look what happened. It's Michelle Obama day! This image of our First Lady appeared on the March issue of Vogue and was taken by none other than Annie Leibovitz!

You know there is a lot of pressure on you when you are taking a picture of anyone involved in politics. If you make them look bad, you will be blamed for something. But then again if you make them look too good, people are going to jump to accusations. You must find a way to portray them not too over confident, but you can't make them see like they could be your next door neighbor either. Sometimes it frustrates me that even artistic expression has to be applied to politics, but it is just that way. Take Shepard Fairey for example, he is currently going through this huge lawsuit for his Obama "HOPE" poster. Geesh.

Anyways, Annie didn't pay any attention to the pressure she had in taking shots of the White House family, she just did it- and did it flawlessly, like always. She presents to us a confident First Lady, with charm, poise, elegance, and most importantly a woman who is here for change. She isn't put on a high pedastal neither figuratively or literally;  she is casually sitting on a chair is a realaxed position gently smiling at the viewers. Also hard to ignore is the position of her arms, cleverly displaying her wedding ring further showing that her vow to her husband is now her vow to the Nation.

I love Michelle Obama not because of her and her husband's triumphant position as the first African American President and First Lady, but because there is just something about here that brings a breath of fresh air into the political scene. From her healthy and in-shape body, to her elegant and charming style, to her beautiful young daughters, to her commitment to our country- I love her. I especially love the comparisons made to her being like Jackie Kennedy. Perhaps we will see an image of Michelle Obama on a canvas tote one day. Her image was shed an positive and honest light when Annie took this picture. I can't help but think of Annie when I look at this picture. Annie, a strong and capable woman herself, can definitely be seen both through the lens and on paper.

Annie eminates through every snapshot.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude are effortless.

 

Wrapped Reichstag by Christo and Jeanne-Claude

1971-75, Silver polypropylene fabric, Berlin

All right, where do I even start with Christo and Jeanne-Claude? Well, they’re mostly known for wrapping things. And not just like Christmas presents, they are more into wrapping say… islands, trees, roman walls, and oh I don’t know…. the REICHSTAG!

At first glace it is easy to think that this is merely just a case of termites and the exterminator has arrived. However, this is the awe-producing splendor of Christo! He, along with is wife Jeanne-Claude, wrap huge things and who would of thought it would create such beauty. A fun fact, he and Jeanne-Claude were born on the same day and supposedly the same hour, how precious. Anyways, Christo is considered an environmental artist as he simply wraps things in their natural environment. His main goal is to be able to take beautiful things and make then seen in another way; this is the majestic quality of Christo! So many artists try and try again to create a painting, or a piece of work that is new, fresh, and innovative, meanwhile Christo and Jeanne-Claude are walking by with their polypropylene fabric in hand thinking, “If they only knew!”

To tie in my earlier post about Annie Leibovitz, remember how I said she creates images that truly describe the person? Take a look at her photograph of Christo….

Christo by Annie Leibovitz

How can you not be a fan of Annie!? She photographed Christo covered not only because of his work, but so that the viewer has to debate whether or not this is really Chrito. Oh Annie!

To sum things up, Christo and Jeanne Claude are not only amazing because of their unique approach to creating art form, but they are simply a breath of fresh air for all those struggling artists out there. Through their work they are advocating simplicity, natural beauty, and tranquility all the while creating astoundment.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude are effortless.

Annie reflects the soul.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono by Annie Leibovitz

1980- Color Photograph

30.50 x 31.00 cm

This picture sincerely takes my breath away as it is a breath of fresh air- if that makes any sense. First and foremost, Annie Leibovitz is my all time favorite photographer. Looking at her work is as addicting as watching videos on YouTube; once I start I have to force myself to stop.What I love most about her, is her dedication to producing a honest photo. She doesn't simply talk on the phone with the person she is going to be shooting (no, not with a gun, though ironic for this post- I will tell you why in a second) and then go to their house and begin taking pictures, she gets to know the individual on a more personal level. I once read that before a shoot, Annie will research the person for weeks and reallly get to know who they truly are before she agrees to the photo shoot.

Her dedication pays off time and time again, take for example John Lennon and Yoko Ono. I know this picture is shocking and to some even offensive, but it's important to understand the beauty of it. John and Yoko's love was unmistakably passionate and Annie wanted to capture this. By putting John in a type of position reminiscent of being in a womb, she portrayed John's passion and deep connection with Yoko. I believe all can on some level relate with the passion and intimacy of this photo, though I admit it wasn't until after I fell in love with my husband that I began to truly grasp the affection and emotion portrayed in this image.

I belive this picture would be famous regardless of the simple fact that it was last picture taken of John Lennon. Just four hours after Annie captured this shot of intimacy and honesty, John Lennon was shot and killed. This image served as the cover of The Rolling Stones tribute issue to the awe-inspiring John Lennon.

Annie captures moments that we see in our dreams. Annie captures emotions that we cannot express verbally. Annie reflects the soul.