Stills

One has to question which is more powerful: the picture or the word. Would this work if it didn't have the big bold "revenge weapons"? You might say that the photo wouldn't have been taken without them. Which to a degree (in my hypothetical discussion) proves my point. The lighting on the wall and the lettering and the ensuing shadows are the picture. It works with the white 'narrative' but could work without it. In fact the narrative slightly detracts because the V1 was just another form of bombing; a component of total warfare. Is the nuclear deterrent a revenge weapon? A slightly strange category but useful as two words put together to remind us of two unpleasant aspects of human behaviour.

The lighting, and hence the tonal dispersion, is effective.
 

Is "Revenge Weapons" from the same lexicon as "Friendly Fire"?

The black words and the white banner form a strong juxtaposition.

I think the white banner is just a platform for the black words. They are the message of the image for me.

I have had some experience in the weapons industry and a friend was involved with designing anti-personal mines. He could not cope with the philosophy of maiming but trying hard not to kill and left the industry. The weapons I was involved with were 'remote' and didn't disturb my young conscience.

Thought provoking.
 

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A striking photo, although I can't decide what I think about the glow around the white banner. As John Ellis' mentioned, the lighting/tonality makes this work.

On another note, pretty sure that Goebbels invented the term Revenge Weapons or its German equivalent. I wonder if somewhere there are similarly chilling displays of B17's and Lancasters.
 

Agree with the word "striking" -- very powerful graphic design, the white banner, black on black, dramatic lighting and then those provocative words.

Well seen, framed and photographed in a way to evoke reaction. However, I also have to give some credit to whomever created this exhibit, since I am a graphic designer and know something of the planning and work that went into that.
 

"One has to question which is more powerful: the picture or the word. Would this work if it didn't have the big bold "revenge weapons"?"

I agree with the sentiments entirely. I don't think the image would work and I don't think I would have made it without those words.

I think that the glow of the white stipe is the result of my metering mode (matrix). It's very dark in that part of the museum with the only lights coming from the high roof reflecting quite harshly off the stripe.

I suppose I could have read off the white using the spot meter but I might have lost some of the dark wall or even worse, the words.

This was definitely one of those, oooo, look at that, Click, moments.
 

A fellow Metallica fan - definitely music to get your eye in gear with!

Certainly you have captured a scene to provoke thought. Perhaps a little more sublime tinkering could enhance the message: work some dodging and burning on the 'Revenge Weapons' title so that the viewer has to work hard to read it... I'd also be looking to lose that final picture far right which has been cut in half.