Juxtaposition is the combination of two elements in a photograph that carry equal weight and which either with contrast each other or in which one element contributes towards another to create an overall theme. The two elements should be strong in their own right so that when the viewer looks at it they come to their own conclusion about their purpose in the image.
Exercise 44 in the OCA’s Art of Photography programme deals with the use of juxtaposition as a means of illustration. The course notes (pg 117) note that often still life image making is used so as to control the juxtapositioning process and, indeed, suggest that such a process could be used in the making of an image on juxtaposition for the cover of a book.
I have selected a late night image from the city of Brussels, arguably cliched, but one that I could not ignore; the contrast between the homeless person settling down for the night with his dog with his back towards the upmarket clothes store. The spot is only 100 metres from the famous Grand Place.
Steven McCurry’s picture of children playing on burnt out tank in Lebanon is a strong use of juxtaposition as is Walker Evan’s image of a graveyard overlooking a steel mill in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania from 1935. Juxtaposition can also be used for humorous ends as frequently used by Robert Doisneau. Here is ‘L’Enfer’ from Paris in 1952. The gendarme is clearly aware that he is a centre of attention but not sure why. That the image is set up is not in doubt but that does not detract from the humour.
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