Igor Savchenko Analysis- Alphabet of Gestures: Edition 28



My analysis of my second Artist- Igor Savchenko



Alphabet of Gestures, edition 28  

Size: 14x16cm    Date: 1993     Media: Photograph



This photograph is the 1993 work of Igor Savchenko as part of his 30 part series named Alphabet of Gestures. The title of the series makes the body langue displayed in each image seem little more than mechanical empty “Gestures”. In addition to this, by using the word “Alphabet”, Savchenko further instils the idea of regimentation.

 As with all the photographs in this collection, the emphasis is upon the body language displayed by its subjects. In this photograph in particular, the rule of thirds is extremely evident. By framing the primary subject’s hands in the middle of the photograph our eyes are immediately drawn to her hands.

When analysing the body language exhibited by the subjects, the photograph takes on an increasing unnerving feel. At a first glance we instantly notice the female’s hands, due partly to the photographs framing and lighting. The way her hands are positioned almost seems to suggest an unsettling awkwardness as she clutches onto her (possible) purse. When looking again we spot another hand in the shadows of the image. The hand seems to be male and as we look closer we spot the position of his hand; it holds the woman’s left hand down between his thumb and index finger.

The angle of his hand seems to suggest that the owner of the hand is standing, whereas it is clearer that the woman is sitting- showing an obvious display of superiority. However the photograph is completely open to interpretation which is partly down to Savchenko's omission of faces or full bodies, therefore the photograph is exceptionally objective.