unofficial blog for course ART007

Lehigh University
Art Architecture and Design
113 Research Drive
Building C
Bethlehem, PA 18015

Alexander, Social Statement

Nov 16, Social Statement

Tomoko Uemura in Her Bath (1971) by W. Eugene Smith

This is a impactful image of Ryoko Uemura giving her daughter, Tomoko, a bath. Straight off the bat you can tell this is a powerful image. It doesn’t make much sense and makes you want to know more. It is effective in gaining the undivided attention of viewers and encourages them to read more about the tragic mercury poisoning in the water caused by a Chisso Corporation chemical factory. Time after time again, big corporations with big pockets make unethical decisions and harm the environment and thousands of people. Hopefully they paid for the damage they caused, although there is no price you can put on a life. A truly tragic yet amazing photograph.

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