Oates 1
Monisha Oates
September 9, 2008
EN101
Dr. Howe
Mom Ironing
The photo, Mom Ironing, by Tracey Baran, suggests dysfunctionality of an American family. A reflection of light in the mirror hints that it is daytime. Two women in the photo portray the American family. One is standing up, ironing a plaid shirt, and the other sits in a cherry oak chair biting her finger nails while holding a red cup on her lap. The girl sitting in the chair has very pale skin and her hair is so dark that it blends in with the black shirt that she is wearing. She wears gray socks and light blue jeans that are designed to have tears or rips in them on her right leg. She slouches in the chair. The older lady has gray hair and isn’t as pale as the other girl. She wears a burgundy sweater that has a zipper that starts in the middle of the sweater and goes up toward her neck, however, it is undone. Underneath the sweatshirt she has on a white shirt. Hanging from her sweater is a pair of glasses. She has on dark blue jeans and unlike the other girl she is wearing shoes. The shirt that she is ironing with her right hand is blue, red, yellow, and white.
The arrangements of the furniture and other objects in the room cause a chaotic, crowded and messy environment.First, there are objects, such as pencils, lying on the floor. There are empty hangers and shirts hanging from the curtain rod. Shirts are thrown on the table. There is a drying rack located next to the girl that is sitting down, but they don’t put it to good use because there is only one garmenthanging from it. The shirt that is hanging from the rack is blue and white. Behind the ironing lady, to her left, is a huge stack of clothing, which could be the laundry that she anticipates to iron. Behind her to the right is a bookshelf that is disorganized. The books are cluttered because there are other items placed on the shelf where these books can go. Let’s just say the room doesn’t welcome you visually.
The picture presents this awkward vibe between the two ladies. There seems to be no communication going on. The mom is completing an everyday task, while the other girl is sitting there staring into space. There is no eye contact taking place here. The left side of the room (where the ironing mom is standing) is brighter than the right side of the room (where the girl is sitting). This kind of tells you something about their attitudes or personality. Light creates emotion. The lighting that the mother is in reflects her personality as easy going. She isn’t bothered by the fact that she is alone doing the laundry. On the other hand the other girl sits in the dark reflecting her selfishness.
Mom Ironing portrays a typical American family through all its hardships and everyday activities. The portrait provides us with this information by showing us through their environment, communication, appearance, and personalities. The room is chaotic and doesn’t seem welcoming at all; it’s messy and unorganized. They don’t seem to be communicating or making eye contact, which creates this awkward feeling. Their appearance shows you who they are and why this picture makes you feel unwanted.