Arbus, Diane: Boy With a Toy Hand Grenade, 1962

Diane Arbus started out as a photographer for publicity in her father’s department store, and moved into the world of photography after World War II. She moved away from commercial photography and delved into more artistic methods. She specialized in the realm of severe emotions; she wished to convey severe mood shifts in her works, which could be related to her mental stability.

I have seen this piece numerous times in the past and it has always been one of my favorites. This piece is menacing and bold. A boy holding a grenade, with the expression as if he is about to murder all that pass through the park, resides in the middle of the picture plane. This confronts the viewer and imposes on them. I feel like this boy is looking at me, and might channel his violence my way.