COMPARATIVE STUDY

Man in his tenement living quarters, 1891,

Jacob A. Riis

Within this comparative

study I will analyze the work
of three different artists.
Looking closely at their style
and their inspirations. As well
as what finding out if there is
different events in their lives
that may have inspired them
to do their work. I will also
compare and contrast various
pieces between all three of the
artists. Looking closely within
the comparative study and
looking closely at the different
pieces from these artists, I can
analyze and compare and
contrast these artists and their
pieces. Identifying the
purpose behind the pieces and
analyze the different
techniques and styles.

Barbara Kruger Untitled

(Your Gaze Hits The Side Of
My Face) 1981

BARBARA KRUGER
Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1945

"Barbara Kruger." PBS. PBS. Web. 11

Sept. 2015.

Attended Parsons School of Design where she studied

alongside with Diane Arbus and Marvin Israel.
Her work was influenced by her earlier graphic
design work.
Some of her pieces were made from different
material such as feather, yarn, and beads.
Her pieces had different connections that were seen
in the world that she wanted to touch upon such as
political, social, feminist provocations, religion, sex,
racial and gender stereotypes, consumerism,
corporate greed, and power.

Barbaras Style

"Untitled (Your Body Is A

Battleground)." 1989, Barbara
Kruger.
All Violence is an Illustration of a
Pathetic Stereotype , 1991, Barbara
Kruger

Her pieces are black and white photographs that contain a caption that is
white on red.
The phrases on these photographs are saying a bold statement with personal
pronouns such as you, I, your, we, and they.
These bold texts that go along with the photograph poses a question to the
viewer to think about feminism, classicism, individual autonomy, and desire.
Her images are taken from mainstream magazines.
Barbara Kruger also does installations.
The main focus of Barbaras work is to display the kindness and brutality of
life, leaning towards how everyone treats one another.
This is an example of installation work that Barbara did.
It reads
"All that seemed beneath you is speaking to you now. All that seemed
deaf hears you. All that seemed dumb knows what's on your mind. All
that seemed blind sees through you. All that seemed silent is putting the
words right into your mouth.

This is something that is personal and it speaks to the viewer. She tends to
want the viewer to question what they see and make a deeper connection with
her work.

Analysis of Barbaras Image

This is one of Barbaras typical black
and white images. This image also contains the
typical white words on red. By using a black
and white image Barbara is able to make the
text stand out and make the viewer take the
words into consideration. The image could
possibly be an image taken from a mainstream
magazine. One of the seven deadly sins is
presented which is, greed. Barbara targets
what seems to be the wealthy population,
people who are greedy with their money and
keep it to themselves. The piece is telling the
viewer that what you have now, expensive
shoes, expensive clothing, expensive jewelry,
etc., will not matter. When you die you can
not take all that with you, do good with your
You can't drag your money into the grave with you,1990, Barbara money if you can. Essentially it tells the viewer
not to give in to the deadly sin of greed.
Kruger

JACOB AUGUST RIIS

Born in Ribe, Denmark in 1849, he was an immigrant from Denmark.
Jacob worked in various places, he experienced American urbanism,
witnessed crime, sickness, and lived in low rent tenements and lodging
houses.
Jacob felt really passionate about the poverty that that he had to walk by on
a daily basis, he knew what it felt like to be hungry and live in poverty.
Jacob was a very good photographer, his photos resembled the life he once
had to live.
Jacob wanted to expose the dangers of the immigrant neighborhoods that he
knew too well.
"Jacob A. Riis." Jacob A. Riis.
Soylent Communications, 2014.
Web. 11 Sept. 2015.

Jacobs Style
Jacob wanted to be able to show what was not normal for
others to see.
People were usually used to seeing clean livable conditions so
Jacob took that into consideration and exposed the truth.
Jacob captured the moments that people were actually seen
living in, his photography was directed more towards where
immigrants were living.
Jacob showed the neighborhoods, and homes in which these
people were living, these places were dirty and dangerous.
This was a life that he knew too well, he knew how crimeridden these places were and how bad the conditions were.
What he wanted to do was help these immigrants, he thought if
he could show people how these immigrants really lived he
would be able to make a change in the way they live.
His photographs are all in black and white
Each one of his photographs seems to have a solemn feel to it
He exposes the reality of what he also went through with in his
photos

Children sleeping on Mulberry Street,

1890, Jacob A. Riis

Analysis of Jacobs Image

This is a typical black and white image that Jacob

uses. This image is representing the housing
situation that many of these immigrants were going
through. It is one of the many aspects of living in
poverty. These were all photos of local immigrants
that came to America to find a better way of living.
All of these images were personal to Jacob, he knew
what it was like to live in these conditions. Many of
his images carry a strong feeling of hopelessness,
and a strong family tie attached to them.

A typical tenement, 1890, Jacob A. Riis

Paul
Calhoun
Paul Calhoun had originally trained as a sociologist
Paul decided to come into photography after he had worked as a
community organizer for several years.
He received a Master of Fine Arts Degree in 1983
A great amount of Pauls photographs have been exhibited and
published in various places such as New York, and Chicago.
Paul Calhoun now teaches disadvantaged kids photography in
his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Paul has worked with various schools, such as Ronald Wilson
Reagan College Preparatory H.S.

Calhoun, P. (n.d.). Paul Calhoun. Retrieved

October 29, 2015.

Pauls Style

Weekends Food, Paul Calhoun

Many of Pauls photos give an insight into people's

lives.
His pieces consist of black and white images as well as
images in color.
His images seem to want to connect the viewer on a
personal level.
Many of his images seem to make the reader really
think about the deep meaning of the photo.
It makes the reader question the placement of
everything and what it means.

There are some images in his work that can relate to anyone on a personal level
Images of soldiers (serving in the military)
Children playing (childhood)
Everyday activities
Family

Analysis of Pauls Image

This is one of Pauls color images, this image seems to hold a very
patriotic feel to it. The kid that is wrapped in the flag shows the love
that he has for his country, it shows that at any age anyone can have
strong patriotic emotions. This image also seems to question exactly
how patriotic the viewer is. The viewer is looking into the world of
the child and how he thinks, they also have the chance to be able to
look around in the image and see what else is occurring. The lighting
in the image gives off a mysterious vibe.

American Flag, Paul Calhoun

Comparison between Jacob and Barbara

Madonna of the Slums, 1890, Jacob

A. Riis

Both artists use black and white

images.
Both artists convey a strong message
in their images.
Both touch upon controversial issues
in society
The images can be seen on a personal
level.
Make the viewer question what they
know and what they dont know
Focus on how people are treated and
how they have to live their daily lives
(Brutality of life, poverty etc.)
Get people to think about things that
are other than Normal.
Both these artists look beyond what
the eye can see, they want to make a
personal connection between the
viewer and what they refuse to see.

Untitled / Pro-life for the

unborn, Pro-death for the born
- 2000-004

Differences between Barbara and Jacob

Untitled (You construct intricate

rituals which allow you to touch
the skin of other men) - 1981

A boy in a glass factory, 1890, Jacob A. Riis

Barbara Kruger revolves her work around feminist ideas.

Barbaras images come from mainstream magazines
Barbaras images make the viewer think about classicism, desire,
and individual autonomy.
Jacobs photographs are made to make others see what the life an
immigrant feels and looks like.
Jacob connects to his photos because he knew what it was like to
live that life.
All of Jacobs photos are personal things that he sees on a daily
basis.
Barbaras images seem to present a hopeful feel to it, they give the
viewer a chance to connect her pieces with their lives.
Barbara focuses on knowing who you are.
She also shows the kindness of human life.
Jacob shows the downside of life
Jacob shows the reality of life as an immigrant through personal
images
Barbara shows her views on life through images from mainstream
magazines.

Comparisons between Paul and Jacob

Orphanage #7, Paul Calhoun

Children saluting the flag in school,

1890, Jacob A. Riis

Both artists use black and white images

Both artists have children present in many of their images.
Both images give an insight as to what they see and have seen
happen in different places
In these two images it makes the viewer think about the person
in the image and what they are doing and thinking.
These images put the viewer in that time and make them think
about what was being said and how the atmosphere of the room
felt.
The images seem to be primarily child based, making an adult
wonder about the way a child sees the world. The viewer has
trouble relating to what many children see.

Connections: Jacob A. Riis

There is a connection to a time when
the American Dream was everyone's
dream.
Many of his photos relate to the poor
population.
There was a strong connection to
people who were immigrants.
Many of his images relate to his past
and where he came from.
Cultural connection to different races
that live in these slums
Many of his photos also pertain to the
hard working class, these were people
from adults to children.
Some pieces also resemble hope, hope
in what they can accomplish and where
they want to go.

Girl and a baby on a doorstep, 1890, Jacob A. Riis

Your every wish is our

command, 1981, Barbara
Kruger,

Dancers, Paul Calhoun

Poverty stricken family in New Yorks Lower East Side,

1888, Jacob A. Riis

Similarities between the artists

The most obvious connection between these artists is that they have all used black and white images. All three of these
images have some sort of family tie attached to it. These family ties present a strong idea in each one of these images. In
these images there is also a sense of love. Whether it be in good or bad conditions there is always someone there. All of
these images make the viewer think beyond what is seen, and question what the people in the image must be thinking.
Each of these images make the viewer think because of the way the main aspect of the image is presented. In all of these
images there is a clear knowing of what the main aspect is and where to look. All of these artists were able to capture a
moment in which it will make all who see it question their own lives and look at what they see through a clearer lense.

Experimentation with different images

These images were taken
in Mexico. When I got
back from Mexico I
looked through all these
photos and manipulated
them in different ways. I
made images completely
black and white or I left
them in color. I enhanced
the color to make the
image vibrant which gave
it more of an appealing
color to the eye. I also
made some of my images
black and white with a
certain focal point. This
focal point is what is
presented in color.

For my piece that I made I had used

Jacob as my inspiration. I felt like his
images were very personal and heartfelt.
Jacobs images were all genuine images
that displayed the reality of what he
went through.

During this process I looked through all

my images and looked for the ones that
can tell a story. The images that I chose
show the beauty of Mexico. Many people
have the idea that Mexico is only a
vacation spot, or its full of violence.
Mexico is so much more than that and I
wanted to be able to communicate that to
my viewers. The idea that there is a lot
more to be offered and that Mexico is
much more than what it is labeled.

This is the final product that I made. Within

this one image is four different images of
things that happen in Mexico. Some of these
things happen everyday, much like the kids
in the upper hand left corner. These kids are
always there playing in the house. That one
image is an example of things that I seen on
a daily basis. The other images like the one
in the upper hand right corner are things
that do not happen so often. Not everyday
does one see a group of people and their
horses. This only happens on certain days. I
wanted to be able to make my image out of
things that happen often and things that do
not happen so often. I believe I was able to
capture the same moments much like Jacob.
The idea to make this piece was presented to
me when I was doing some more research on
Jacob, I was fascinated that he wanted to be
able to show the reality of life in its good and
bad times.

Mexico

Comparison between Jacobs images and my images

My Image
- My image is composed of four
different images and put into one
image
- The piece that I created seems to
have more of happier mood to it.
- I wanted to be able to present
people with the beauty that
Mexico has to offer
- My images were representing the
inhabitants of Mexico.

Jacobs Images
- Black and
white images
were used.
- Captured
real moments
that were
happening.
- We both
have had
experiences
with our
images.

- Jacobs images are all

individual, they are not placed
into a collage.
- His photographs present a
solemn mood.
- Jacob wanted to get a message
across that presented people
with the harsh reality of poverty
- His images were directed more
towards the immigrants in the
U.S.

Artist Connection to work

This is a self-portrait that I made, my inspiration cam from
Barbara Krugers Untitled (Your Body Is A Battleground). I
was inspired by her work because she touched upon different
topics. Not only were her pieces based on feminism, but they
also revolved around self-identity. I used the topic of selfidentity to be able to create this piece because identity is a tough
thing. Many people have trouble knowing who they are and
how they play a role in life. I thought about the concept of
black and white, there is a saying around the terms of being
able to see everything better in black and white.
I took that to heart and thought about making a self-portrait in
black and white with the words This Is Me. How much more
blunt can it get. The words are in bold and one can clearly see
who it is. The whole idea was just to conquer the idea of selfThis is Me
identity.
Bianca Gallegos

Comparison between Barbaras images and my image

My Image
- Painted the image instead of using
the same technique Barbara used.
- My pieces were not any type of
instillation work.
- My work is focused on one topic.
- When I made my images I mainly
wanted to be able to connect to my
own artwork, my piece is a personal
piece.
- I am not focused on conveying a
message about life.

Barbaras Images
- Touched on the
idea of selfidentity.
- Black and
white images.
- Bold phrases on
the piece.

- Barbara used images from

magazines and different photos to
create her pieces.
- Barbara also did a lot of instillation
work.
- Not only did Barbara work with the
topic of self-identity she touched on
classicism, and feminist ideas.
- Many of her images displayed the
real world. She wanted to display
how brutal the world can be.

Works Cited
Stamp, Jimmy. "Pioneering Social Reformer Jacob Riis Revealed "How The Other Half Lives" in America." Smithsonian. 27 May 2014. Web. 5 Aug. 2015.
Calhoun, Paul. "Paul Calhoun." Hatchfund. Web. 14 Mar. 2015.

"Jacob A. Riis." NNDB. Web. 13 Aug. 2015.

"Barbara Kruger - Feminist Artist - The Art History Archive."The Art History Archive. Web. 7 Sept. 2015.
Calhoun, Paul. "Paul's Gallery." Paul's Gallery. Web. 27 Sept. 2015.
Davis, Kay. "Analysis of Riis Photographs." Documenting "The Other Half": The Social Reform Photography of

Jacob Riis and Lewis Hine. University of Virginia. Web. 3 Aug. 2015.
Flynn, Laura. "Untitled (Your Body Is A Battleground)." Society Swallowed Beauty. 22 May 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
"Barbara Kruger." PBS. PBS. Web. 19 Sept. 2015.
"Barbara Kruger "Untitled (Your Gaze Hits The Side Of My Face)" 1981." Girlpower. 15 Oct. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2015.