Using precise description, translate Leslie’s Television Moon into a one-page verbal still life. (Seeing and writing 3, pg. 90-91)


“TELEVISION MOON” BY ALFRED LESLIE

The picture “Television Moon” by Alfred Leslie (Seeing and writing 3, pg. 90) is a piece of art in which there is an old television in the middle. This is the biggest and central object. On the right side on top of the TV, there is a pair of red sneakers, an old black phone, a piece of white paper and a ceramic plate. At the right side of the TV, there is a golden metallic chair; and at the left, there is the bottom part of a wooden broom. In front of it, a pair of blue leather shoes. A reflection on the upper right side of the TV screen, a small waxing crescent moon can be seen.

There is a general predominance of different shapes in the picture, such as: a squared-TV with circular buttons in a rectangular panel, the dial on a rotary phone, and a round plate. The point of the sneaker’s sole configured in a triangular pose, and the rectangular piece of paper. Next to the TV, four triangles formed by the legs of the folding chair, the trapezoidal seat and the square between the seat and back upright of the chair. At the left, the rectangular piece of broom.


Most of the colors used by Alfred Leslie are dark in variety of black, brown and gray tones. Despite the black starting and grey ending of the background, there is a balance through the sneakers and the chair that capture some light. It is a contrast between dark and light that can be compared between night and day. That is why, the position of the crescent moon in a dark space configured in a sky absence of starts. Between, the TV screen and the folding chair, and absolute black shadow dividing day and night time. In this scenario, the folding chair reflects some light between shadows. A possible day with a dazzling sun that spreads light through a cloudy curtain.


Thinking about the contrast and well presentation of objects in “Television Moon”, I consider it is impressive the way, simple and everyday used elements, can reflect a life style and possible activities of a person. Because of the position of the objects in the picture -facing the viewer-, I put myself living in a small place, with a not busy but comfortable living room like that. I, on my early 20’s living between the years of 1975 and 1985, not having preoccupations and disturbances at all, just a simple life to enjoy. Then, I would be spending my afternoon days, watching TV and movies about peace and love, eating pizza and having a cold coke; wearing my uncomplicated but fashion jeans and sneakers; and of course, next to me, the phone to talk as I watch the movie.


ANGELA ARIZA
angela_ariza83@yahoo.es