Experiment 001

Intent: to examine how mood is communicated in visual narrative, particularly from one extreme to another, i.e. Depression/Elation

Reference point: The Red Tree - Shaun Tan (2000)

Scale

darkness overcomes you

Original, Shaun Tan (2000

Scale

The image certainly doesn't have the same impact when the fish is huge. But I think the posture of the main protagonist is also significant here.

Scale and posture

In my opinion there are two main visual languages used to convey the mood in this image, scale and posture are equally prominent. 

Colour

sometimes the day begins with nothing to look forward to

Simply changing the colour of the leaves in this image has completely altered the mood of this image. The facial expression of the protagonist can remain the same and could be read as sleepy curiosity. 

Original, Shaun Tan (2000)

Colour change

Posture

and things go from bad to worse

I considered what my 8-year-old daughter might make of this incident should it occur and decided that although the colour of the leaves is dreary as in the previous image, the significant language is actually the stance of the character, so I changed this to a joyful experience.

Original, Shaun Tan (2000)

Posture change

Symmetry and scale

the world is a deaf machine

The reason I wanted to test the symmetry of this composition was because I think it feels intimidating and again the use of scale to exacerbate this mood. The end result gives a feeling of curiosity and wonder.

Original, Shaun Tan (2000)

Scale and symmetry experiment

Colour and facial expression

wonderful things are passing you by

This image is unusual in that it conveys more than just a low mood, it also shows a bright and exciting event. Ah, I have just realise that the visual language used here is actually "contrast". 

wonderful things are passing you by, Original, Shaun Tan (2000)

Colour change

Colour and facial expression change

Scale and perspective

then all your troubles come at once

I struggled to decipher this one and after some thought I had a go at straightening up the ships to create a less chaotic feel. Again the scale was at play, so I upsized the small boat.

Original, Shaun Tan (2000)

Scale and angle experiment

Metaphor

nobody understands

Another tricky one. I can see it is metaphorical, yet how would I test this theory. I think the character feels shut off and wants to hideaway, yet the transparency of the glass represents vulnerability through the sensation of being exposed. I also changed the posture of the protagonist.

Original, Shaun Tan (2000)

Metaphor experiment

Response

From Birdwoman by Kitty Skye

Exploring the use of symmetry and scale 

Thumbnails for Scale and symmetry, metaphor and surrealism

Scale and symmetry response

Exploring the use of metaphor and surrealism

Metaphor and surrealism response

Metaphor and surrealism response

Subsidiary conclusion

Shaun Tan works in a sophisticated and fascinating visual language. In each image Tan uses several types of communiqué to confabulate his powerful messages. Sometimes they are subtle and sometimes obvious. It was really very interesting analysing some of his work  in this manner. 

When I attempted my responses using my own content, I was not surprised to find it extremely difficult. Having now drawn with his pen, and already in awe of the works of Tan, I have ultimate respect for his complex way of communicating. I would like to thank him for this precious gift, which I will cherish, nourish and use time and time again in my own work.