Norm Magnusson Analysis

Fig. 1 | http://cdn2.jazjaz.net/wp-
content/uploads/2010/02/Norm
Magnussonleaf_thumb.jpg

Magnusson is a photographer who specializes in political art but is well known for is "Decorating Nature" project which is easier to find and analyse!

Norm's nature decorating project was to add colour to the most common colours of nature which differentiate itself from the overall landscape. Thus, capturing the attention and interest of the viewer to take more time and consideration in what the artist has photographed. For example, we all take what is around us for granted. Such as the leaves of a tree which are all virtually the same colour as the next tree.

Fig. 2 | http://sustainableartistsanddesig
ners.wikispaces.com/file/view/zebra1
.jpg/124412581/zebra1.jpg

For these reason, Norm has painted natural objects in their respective landscape in order to bring notice of what is taken for granted. And so, appreciate what we have. Another example can be seen in figure two. 

This is intact a picture of a tree which has been painted the colour of a zebra. This is to symbolize how tree's can blend into their surroundings and be easily hidden/forgotten (just how a zebra is hidden from its predator).

Looking at his decorating nature project, It becomes more and more apparent why Norm does this. Stating; "...If a photo is pretty, the viewer will spend more time with it...". This is faintly implying that nature isn't pretty as it is too common. By decorating it in various colours, He adds a layer of beauty on top of nature and thus, the viewer will spend more time analyzing and taking the image into mind.

Another quote also being; “Chaos is the order of nature and order is the nature of man.” Which refers to the way which Magnusson is creating chaos with the order of nature which in turn, causes chaos with man!