Carlos Almaraz drew this picture titled Buffo's Companion using pastel on paper measuring; Sheet (sight): 29 7/8 × 21 3/4 in. (75.9 × 55.2 cm) Image (sight): 29 7/8 × 21 3/4 in. (75.9 × 55.2 cm) According to the Whitney where it is currently being held. This drawing is representational (you can clearly see the figure of a man holding up another person) and abstract (the use of color is used to contradict the fact that its supposed to be a real thing, the use of color makes it abstract.)
In this drawing, Almaraz depicts a man carrying what can be perceived as a child on his shoulders. You can tell it’s a man because Almaraz makes very distinct shadows on the face of the man that gives him very manly features. In the Berger reading we read in class on Wednesday, he says “Choose an image of a traditional nude. Transform the woman into a man. Either in your mind's eye or by drawing on the reproduction. Then notice the violence which that transformation does. Not to the image, but to the assumptions of a likely viewer.” To me I feel like this isn't true. We live in a day and age where seeing a naked woman is more scandalous than seeing a naked man. We tend to idolize the man and see it as just his sexual nature. So for a man to be naked or almost naked, as seen in the photo, it’s not as big a deal and it doesn't really make many people feel uncomfortable. Or from people that I’ve talked to, or know, don’t seem to care.
Yes- this is an example of a figure that is counter to the points that Berger is making- BUT, it actually agrees with the reading because he is talking about how WOMEN are depicted, as compared with how men are depicted- so I *think* you are actually agreeing with him...
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