Photo Analysis

Photo Analysis

College is a difficult time for many students. Our whole lives we have been told what to do. From preschool to high school, we have been told how to dress, and when to go to bed. We had to ask permission to go to the bathroom, and had to attend class. If you didn’t do those things, then you would get into big trouble. Sara Shakeel, who is a college student, created the image, "Preparing for Monday," as a metaphor for the freedom students have in college, de-stressing, and hiding behind our sadness. To start, the image depicts a woman outside jumping over pills of Prozac. Prozac is a medication for those who have certain mental disorders. It is prescribed to those who may have depression, bulimia, anxiety, or even obsessive compulsive disorder. The juxtaposition of the happy woman and the pills is quite interesting. It is fascinating because as I said earlier, the pills are used to treat depression and this woman is merry. This comparison is a connection to college. The woman is the freedom college students have. Some may not know how to use it. Students might use it wisely and others may go off onto the deep end. Maybe that is why they would take Prozac.

Secondly, college is one of the most stressful places on earth. Professors pile you with essays upon essays! Every week. Sometimes a student just needs a break. The woman in the photo is at the beach enjoying her time, not worrying about what lies ahead. Prozac could also be a metaphor for happiness. A person feels much better when they take it or are less stressed.

During my senior year of high school, I met plenty of people who drank coffee, partied, and did drugs. I was surprised by the amount of people who did those things. People would drink coffee to stay up in class or at night so that they could write an essay; partied because life and school was stressful, so they needed a time to blow off steam; smoked weed, swallowed pills of Xanax or Prozac for the exact same reason they party, so that they can relax, and also because a few had anxiety. When I saw this piece by Sara Shakeel, I instantly thought of that. I think it is sad that young adults today “have” to do drugs just to prepare for school or life. In today’s society, drugs are often glorified in media. Media is basically saying that if you want to have a good time then you have to put yourself under the influence of a stimulant.

Lastly, it is interesting how the artist put a vintage photo with the pills. The photo is so pure and lively. The pills bring a darkness to the image. The title of the image is very cynical. It seems like the artist did not want viewers to take it so seriously. It reminds me of when a friend of mine is going through a rough patch. Instead being serious about their problems, they make a dark joke about them, but I guess that is how they cope with it. Also when my friends do that, it seems that they do not want me to worry. Since they made a joke about it, it is not that serious. Maybe that is what the artist is trying to do. She is expressing her inner pain in a silly way.

In conclusion, "Preparing for Monday" is a complex image that shows the reality that humans face today. We use our freedom for good and for bad, we unwind in unhealthy ways, and we hide behind our sorrows. Sara Shakeel did a great job showing that in a very simple way using mixed media. She showcased light and dark creatively.