Richard Billington

In this article we are introduced to the other side of the spectrum of the topic we've been discussing in class. As disturbing as advertisements we've discussed tried to be through promoting their products, nothing is as striking as Billingham's photographic diary of his parents Raymond and Elizabeth. Hornby describes the vile works of Billingham to depict what the photographer is trying to convey and how the viewers may interpret the disturbing images it provides. The article comes equipped with pictures taken of Raymond and his wife Elizabeth, and they appear rather lude and disturbing. Even the calm picture of Elizabeth constructing a jigsaw puzzle seems oddly contradicting as the tones and vibe don't company the joy a jigsaw puzzle stereotypes. To compare this to Anandi Ramamurthy's theme would be to invert her idea. Ramamurthy describes advertisements that are supposed to promote something to a customer or viewer, and how positive images of social interest are usually utilized which can be false, demeaning or sexist. In this case, Hornby does just the opposite displaying Billinghams images as crude and unappealing, but real
and even tender. Hornby describes, "There is a tone to these words that could be mistaken for blankness, just as the photograph could seem blank if one couldn't be bothered to look at them hard enough, but actually this collection is much, much warmer than that: It is clearly about love."
How could a photograph be interpretted as loveable with blood and intestines as a background or people throwing cats in the air? Perhaps Billigham has no interest in showing the bright side everyone desires to drown in knowing its entirely unrealistic. It's hard to appreciate art, that you live in every day for some people therefore its easier to appreciate a Liz Taylor ad and spray on perfume that will make you as desirable as her. Richard Billinghams work is impressive and moving, but its realism is too deep in my opinion. It's no wonder, that according to Horby, "you'd rather wander off and look at something funnier, or more beautiful, or less real."
Still Billinghams approach to art is different and enticing. His use of his own family life depicts a clear image that we can appreciate through the intense realism it provides. To see a couple in love in this gruesome way is shocking, but on some level brings hope to couples who thought they had it the worst.