- Description
- Who is the artist? Nicholas Nixon
- What is the title of the work? Tom Moran, Boston, January 1988
- When was it created? January 1988
- What is it made out of? (media) Gelatin Silver Print
- What is the size? 8 x 10 in
- What is the setting of the work? Tom Moran's Home
- Is it additive, subtractive, or cast? Cast
- What is it? (include subject matter and note details) Tom Moran, one of fifteen people Nixon photographed during the height of the AIDS outbreak, on his bed dying from the horrible disease.
- Analysis- Identify and describe the elements and principles of design that pertain to your piece:
- Line
- Color
- Shape
- Form
- Texture- The texture of Moran's face is slowly beginning to resemble that of a skull
- Space
- Value
How were the elements arranged to order and control:
Unity
Variety
Balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial)
Harmony
Emphasis or Dominance
Rhythm and Movement
Contrast
Proportion/Scale
- Interpretation
How do you feel when you look at the piece? When I look at the piece I'm shocked at what the effects the disease can have on the human body and how quickly they can occur.
What viewer response does the piece evoke? It opens your eyes to what this disease is capable of doing to people.
What is the mood of the work? The mood of the work is depressing because you know no matter how hard you try to convince yourself otherwise, that this man is not going to live.
Does the work tell a story? Yes, it tells the story of Tom Moran's fight with AIDS and how it has changed his appearance.
What do you think was the artist’s purpose for creating the piece? Nixon's purpose for creating this piece was to raise awareness of this horrible incurable disease.
- Judgement
Is it, or should it be, an important piece in art history? I feel like it should be an important photograph in art history because it really shows you, again, what this disease can do to you and your body in the time that you have it.
How does the work fit into the historical time period in which it was created? Yes it does fit because this series was taken during the height of the AIDS outbreak.
Has the piece had influence over other’s work?
Does the title make sense to the artwork? How does the title relate? Yes the title makes sense to the work because its exactly whats in the photo.