Argus album cover

This is the album cover for Wishbone Ash's Argus released in 1972. The photograph was taken by Barry Wentzell for the famed British art-design group Hipgnosis. The group is also responsible for more iconic album covers for the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin and Genesis.

This is an interesting image for an album cover as it is a photograph - a medium rarely used for progressive-rock album covers, especially in the early 70's. Most prog album covers at the time featured vibrant, hand painted landscapes with wildly imaginative, experimental fantasy decorations...

^ A sterotypical example of prog-rock artwork.

Album: Floating

Artist: Eloy (1974)

Although the Argus photograph is a very dramatic composition, the colours are very subtle and washed out. I believe this use of colour is intentionally used as an understatement in contrast to the power of the music in which the sleeve contains/ represents.

This album photograph an interpretation of the/an Argus -a guard existing in greek mythology. I say this is an interpretation as the landscape and the guard's apparel are not stereotypically Greek. Nonetheless I like his appearance, and his place within the composition. His power and place within the photograph are enforced by his right shoulder eclipsing the sun, resulting in slight lensflare. Conventionally, most objects which eclipse the sun are the largest/most dominant part of a composition.

 The sun also highlights his knuckles as they grip his spear, defining his purpose and dutiful posture as a guard. The camera is also looking slightly up at the guard making him apear larger and more empowering, this is supported by his position in the landscape, as he is depicted on a hill, overlooking the valley.

The helmet purposefully hides any of the guards distinguishing features, keeping his anonymity and mysique in tact. This provokes thought from a viewers perspective, and gives the image interpretive depth. His helmet in combination with his cloak is vaguely reminiscent of the Star Wars character Darth Vader - designed by Ralph McQuarrie, which was also designed with the same effects in mind.

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Other album covers by Hipgnosis utilising photography:

Brand-X - Do they hurt? (1980)

Experimental juxtaposition is used to create a surreal, bizarre, and highly unlikely scenario.

 

Cochise - Cochise (1970)

I particularly like this gatefold sleeve. The clever use of photography, lighting, juxtoposition and collage use this womans figure to depict a moody and dramatic landscape.

ELO - Electric Light Orchestra - 1971

The Nice - Five Bridges (1970)

This is a simple yet effective technique. The photograph (taken from the opposing riverbank with a fisheye lens) is simply mirrored and horizontally flipped.

Black Sabbath - Never Say Die (1978)

Another experimental use of costume, portrayed in a warfare scenario.