# Surrealistic Tragedy Photo Shoots Compulsion by Alex Prager Depicts Violence and Response By Andrew Robertson | Published 2012-04-21 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compulsion-by-alex-prager References: [english.mashkulture.net](http://english.mashkulture.net/2012/04/20/alex-prager-compulsion/) & [michaelhoppengallery](http://www.michaelhoppengallery.com/) 'Compulsion' by Alex Prager is the photographer's latest collection of pictures currently on display at the [Michael Hoppen Gallery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allstar-cast). The installation features captures of stylistically surreal tragic events and [close-up images of eyes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits). The juxtaposition between victim and onlooker creates a compelling narrative wherein the context, occupants and events remain ambiguous. Looking at the eye pictures, it isn't clear rather they belong to the victim or a bystander; however, it does nonetheless reflect the privileged position of the audience. Tragedy has become such a commonality in the 21st century that individuals aren't as impacted by disasters as long they are not directly affected by it. Vocalizing how one is impacted by an event can often be an elaborated response in order to appear as an empathetic individual. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Surrealistic Photography:** Incorporate elements of the surreal in photography to create compelling narrative that challenges the viewer's perspective. - **Close-up Eye Imagery:** Use close-up images of eyes to create ambiguity and challenge the viewer's understanding of the narrative. - **Emotional Ambiguity:** Create works that blur the line between victim and onlooker to make a commentary on the impact of tragedy on individuals. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art:** Artists can use elements of surrealism and ambiguity to create works that challenge the viewer's perspective. - **Fashion:** Fashion photographers could use close-up eye imagery to create compelling visuals in their shoots. - **Advertising:** Brands can incorporate emotional ambiguity in their advertisements to create a deeper connection with consumers and stand out in a crowded market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-allusion.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Surreal Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Color Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Post-Pandemic Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonami.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Anti-Gender Violence Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antigender-violence-campaign.md)