Image analysis essay

WEEK 3

Ingram Kusaloka | Visual Communication

In this essay I will analyse Tyler, the Creator’s “Flower Boy” album cover, using the

nine visual analysis steps outlined by Lester (2017). I have briefly described it as a

vibrant flower field against a blue sky, with a solitary figure standing amidst the

blooms. This imagery suggests themes of growth, introspection, and beauty,

inviting viewers to contemplate personal journeys and self-discovery. The

composition effectively captures the album's essence, signaling a shift towards

more mature themes in Tyler, the Creator's music.

The album cover of "Flower Boy" by Tyler, the Creator depicts an intricate

illustration featuring a bee pollinating flowers in a vibrant garden setting (Tyler,

the Creator, 2017). The bee, with its wings outstretched, hovers gracefully over the

colorful blooms, drawing attention to its central role in the composition. Each

flower is meticulously rendered, showcasing intricate details in their petals and

stems. The background features lush foliage and patches of blue sky, creating a

dynamic and visually appealing backdrop for the scene.

The colors utilized in the album cover are bold and eye-catching, with warm tones

such as yellows, oranges, and reds contrasting with cooler greens and blues. The

contrast of these hues creates a sense of balance and harmony within the

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composition. The vibrant color palette evokes feelings of vitality and energy,

echoing the themes of growth and transformation explored throughout the album.

The visual elements present in the album cover, including the bee, flowers, and

garden, symbolize themes of growth, nature, and transformation. The bee's role in

pollination serves as a metaphor for the album's exploration of personal evolution

and self-discovery. The act of pollination, essential for the reproduction of

flowering plants, underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings and the

cyclical nature of life itself.

Through the imagery depicted on the album cover, Tyler, the Creator

communicates a message about the beauty of embracing change and finding one's

place in the world. The serene garden setting suggests a sense of harmony and

tranquility, reflecting the artist's journey towards inner peace and. The garden can

also be interpreted as a metaphorical sanctuary, a haven where one can nurture

their dreams and aspirations away from the chaos of the outside world.

In the context of Tyler, the Creator's broader discography and public persona,

"Flower Boy" marks a significant shift towards more introspective and mature

lyrical content. The album cover reflects this evolution, presenting a more

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nuanced and thoughtful portrayal of the artist's inner world (Tyler, the Creator,

2017). The intricate details and symbolism embedded within the artwork invite

listeners to delve deeper into the themes and messages conveyed throughout the

music.

Questions may arise regarding the specific symbolism behind certain elements of

the artwork and how they relate to the album's lyrics and themes. Ultimately, the

album cover serves as a visual representation of Tyler, the Creator's artistic vision

and sets the tone for the music and themes explored throughout "Flower Boy"

(Tyler, the Creator, 2017).

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Reference page
Lester. (2021). Visual communication: Images with messages (9th ed.). Lex
Publishing. March 11, 2024

Lester, P. (2017, July 21). Tyler, the creator: Flower boy review – closet door opens to
gawky gorgeousness. The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jul/21/tyler-the-creator-flower-boy-
review

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