James Nachtwey is considered on of the pre-eminent photojournalists and more specifically one of the greatest war photographers of our time. He has spent over twenty-five years photographing regions in turmoil throughout the world. His photographs capture the front lines of armed conflict and human suffering. His photographs have appeared in many notable journals including Life, National Geographic, New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, Time, and many others. Additionally in 1986, he was invited to join Magnum, a photographic agency founded in 1947.
This photograph was taken in Bosnia in 1993 during the ethnic cleansing in Mostar. The diagonal lines created by the wall and door leads the viewer's eyes to the Croat militiaman. He is framed against a window as he fires on his Moslem neighbors. The deteriorating wallpaper, the unmade bed, and broken shutters add to the tension of the scene.
Questions- please answer on a piece of paper in complete sentences:
1. James Nachtway is known as a "War Photographer" or "Anti-War Photographer." Why do you think people refer him to him as that? How does his works reflect this idea?
2. Where would you see these types of photographs?
3. Describe how Nachtway captures the tension in this scene.
4. Which aspect is dominant in this photograph? Which ones are subordinate?
5. What do you think was the purpose of creating this artwork?
6. How does the use of photography influence the meaning of this artwork?
1. James Nachtway is known as a "War Photographer" or "Anti-War Photographer." Why do you think people refer him to him as that? How does his works reflect this idea?
2. Where would you see these types of photographs?
3. Describe how Nachtway captures the tension in this scene.
4. Which aspect is dominant in this photograph? Which ones are subordinate?
5. What do you think was the purpose of creating this artwork?
6. How does the use of photography influence the meaning of this artwork?