In the early days of the invention of photography there was considerable debate about whether it should be considered as an art form because it is a
mechanical process and one which (supposedly) might not be mediated by the maker. The relatively low learning curve (when compared to painting) was one
of the factors that critics used to argue against photography as art – their point was that anyone could just ‘push a button’, therefore it wasn’t art.
What do you think of this argument?
The advent of digital photography, and developments within the medium have made creative possibilities of photography available to even more people
(think of the wide adoption of Instagram & nostalgic filters for example). What role do these adaptations have in the creation of image making?
In addition to your written work, your assignment this week includes creating a photographic image that contains some aspect of your identity – this may be
personal (for example, as a family member) or geographic (for example, identity as a citizen of Victoria) using one of the provided examples of photo
manipulation on page 2 of this assignment.
I have tried to provide at least one example that will work for any level of digital skills and/or access to locations.
The goals of the assignment are to:
1) consider the implications of democratizing art making (i.e. expanding participation in art)
2) reflect in writing on issues of memory construction through the process of image making
3) explore ideas concerning how the medium of photography affects the meaning of an image
In your write up you will also discuss your intention & process for creating your photo. Also analyze the similarities & differences in what the two photos
have to tell us and what can be learned from them and from their juxtaposition (or, as in examples 1 and 2, their combination). Include reference to concepts
of identity, memory and how the medium creates meaning.
Write a short paper, minimum 750 words