Next class:
I. Two page paper on gallery exhibition with a concentration on identified artist(s).
II. Ten minute presentation reflecting your thesis and perspective identified in your paper (please be sure to include images to support your thesis).
III. Reading (please post your reaction to the reading to our blog):
Liz Wells
Words and Pictures: On Reviewing Photography
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Liz Wells is a writes and curator, who teaches Media Arts at the University of Plymouth.
ReplyDeleteWords and Pictures reflects upon the role of the critic in relation to photography when it comes to exhibitions and reviews. Words are inadequate when it comes to speaking about/describing pictures. Critics are responsible for feedback to artists and for mediation with audiences. The reviews and critical responses that are published ultimately outlive exhibitions and become the material for future archivists and cultural archaeologists. Coming across the point that everything is subjective, debates about photography always reflect cultural understandings. For instance, France had a different experience of modernism than Germany in that literature was a more dominant factor than photography or film was, contributing to their different understanding of photography. When it comes to galleries, their aim is to be talked about. Criticism contributes to exposure/publicity, which increases economic status of certain artwork within the art market. Although photographers are sensitive to the responses at exhibition openings, they seek serious feedback on their work. As already established, critics (along with everyone) are not neutral (helplessly subjective). Their subjective response is inevitably reflected in some way. They need to aware of their audience so they can get their message across with words that the audience will understand, rather than using elitist words. They need to be self-analytical and be aware of any possible implications of what they're saying. Although websites can never be a substitute for direct engagement with photographic artwork, they do offer a way to engage with aspects of images and ideas.