Art Analysis from The Vietnam War


Photographer, Art Greenspon's, "The Best Photo from Vietnam."




"As fellow troopers aid wounded buddies, a paratrooper of A Company, 101st Airborne, guides a medical evacuation helicopter through the jungle foliage to pick up casualties during a five-day patrol of an area southwest of Hue, South Vietnam, April 1968" (Agtmael, 2013).


This photograph taken by war photographer, Art Greenspon, during the Vietnam war stirs up very raw emotions. There is a sense of desperation and hope as the paratrooper has his arms lifted in an attempt to guide the medevac helicopter to the ground. It almost seems like a prayer for help. There is obvious pain on the face of the soldier lying on the ground, which brings out emotions of fear. Seeing the other soldiers holding up their brothers brings about feelings of hope for their survival. There is an incredible amount of texture in the photo with the jungle branches and leaves surrounding the soldiers. It is amazing they were even able to be detected from the air. Even the bodies of the soldiers themselves provide texture, making them appear somewhat layered. There is also a background of smoke that "fills in" the air, which is a great example of ephemeral texture. The smoky air solidifies that the attack was brand new. Color is another element to this photograph that is unique. Since it is black and white, it creates a mood that would not be possible had it been in color. The moment itself is dark and serious, and the lack of color reflects that. The tone of the black and white photo also contributes to the feelings behind it. It brings the soldiers to the front of the photo, feeling like you could reach out and touch them, while the tone fades in the background with the smoke. This keeps the focus on the paratrooper lifting his arms along with his wounded brothers.


I am the grandson of two brave Vietnam veterans. Both of my grandfathers served there at around the same time. I would proudly hang this photograph in my home. I think this piece of artwork on the wall would send a strong statement to anyone visiting. It would be very meaningful hanging in a home office or library. It would also be stunning as a large canvas to hang over a mantle. Someone who is a Vietnam veteran may not want to look at it every day, as it could conjure up negative feelings or memories. However, as someone two generations removed from it and proud of my grandfathers for their sacrifices there, I would be proud to see it as a daily reminder. 


To read more about this photograph and other famous photographs from the Vietnam War, visit these two links:

https://time.com/67551/the-best-photo-from-vietnam-one-photographers-defining-image-of-war/

https://www.history.com/news/vietnam-war-photos


Bibliography

Agtmael, Peter Van. "'The Best Photo From Vietnam': One Photographer's Defining Image of War." Time, 11 September 2013, https://time.com/67551/the-best-photo-from-vietnam-one-photographers-defining-image-of-war/. Accessed 14 September 2024.


Comments

  1. Sommer ProdenSeptember 18, 2024 at 10:49 AM

    I really enjoyed your analysis. The photograph is striking and the first thing I felt was chaos, pain, and fear. I love how you pointed out the feeling of hope for survival and the paratrooper looking almost as if he is praying for help. You drew my attention to the photograph's tone and texture, that I hadn’t even been aware of. Great job, and what an emotional photograph!

    I clicked on the links you posted, and reading about the photographer’s experience in Vietnam and then his life was compelling and inspirational. It is inspiring to go back to school and get your master's at the age of 69 to help veterans!

    ReplyDelete
  2. K AtwaterSeptember 18, 2024 at 8:56 PM

    Your analysis was well done and I agree with your commentary. One of my grandfathers served in Vietnam as well, as a fighter pilot. You can really see the pain and emotion in the picture. There is so much going on in the photograph, and the texture of the leaves and ground add to the chaos of the scene. You can clearly see the anguish in these men. I think the color being in black and white simplifies the photograph and makes the men stand out. If it were in full color it would take away from the features that really stand out and maybe dull the emotion of the photo.

    ReplyDelete
  3. LexSeptember 18, 2024 at 9:16 PM

    I've watched many movies about the Vietnam War, but this photo truly moved me. I can feel the pain, sorrow, and desperation of the soldiers as they strive to rescue their injured and dying comrades. Their tremendous bravery is something everyone should be proud of. Thank you for sharing this powerful photo.

    ReplyDelete

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