CROPPING 2

Having fun with all the Adobe Photoshop tools… 🙂

Just exploring the effects of using a circular frame instead of a rectangular frame… The circular frame brings the level of interest in the image another level. Because we commonly see images placed in a rectangular frame, images placed in a circular frame seem more interesting and refreshing. Besides, the circular frame fits this composition well because it complements Seurat’s intention of showing the relationship of the acrobats and the horse, caught in the middle of this skillful act.

 

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Now, instead of focusing on the acrobats, I have chosen to focus on the spectators. The spectators are sitting unnaturally upright. This is probably a conscious decision on the part of Seurat, to compensate for and balance the flamboyant actions of the acrobats. These still, upright shapes are balanced by almost perfectly horizontal lines. Seurat is known to be obsessed over science of art and composition!

By zooming in on this part of the painting and using a circular frame, it feels that the viewer is not just looking on at the scene, but rather peeping through a hole, and seeing the almost passive faces of the spectators who are not aware that they are being looked at and attracting such attention.