Tutorial Question: Why do we consider photography as a form of cultural critique? Is every photograph able to do so?
In conclusion, visual images such as historical paintings and photography are a way of preserving memories. It is believed that photographs are the truth with a million words, however, the rationale of the image may be different according to different perception of the image. Some photographs may not be as ethical or true however, it is up to the audience to decide to believe or not.
References:
"A picture is worth ten thousands of words" is this Chinese proverb true? Do society consider photographs as a form to critique cultures? David Bate, (2009) who conducted a study in photography believed that the use and understanding of visual images now and then were different. Historian art we made to mark the victories of battle, the courageous Nepoleon Banoaparte, these visual art were consider the truth and an important memory, however not much has change as the technology of photography develops.
According to Celia Lury, (1998) the modern society is now in the Information Age where every individual in society is dependent with technology. In this case, society has become more dependent with using photography as preserving memories. However, not all photographs perceive the truth and it could be manipulated accordingly to the photographer.
Culture is defined as the way of life, traditions, and beliefs of a social group or society. Why photographs are used as a form of cultural critique is because how cultures are being presented in the photographs. According to McKeen, (1998) the understanding of a photographic truth, like all truths, depends on the understanding of culture, belief, history, and the universal aspects of human nature.
David Bate, (2009) suggested in his "Study of Photography" that key institutions such as the advertisement companies, journalism and news, and documentaries all uses photographs to portray their ideal view of society. The ideal society is the wealthy, powerful, and developed societies, not everyone around the world is aware of how fortunate they are. There are still poverty in Africa, and this does not get the attention of the public due to the key institutions neglecting to use these images for the society to see. However, it is photographs like this that changes the perspectives of individuals around the world. The truth and genuine innocence of these African children are what a photograph should represent. The discomfort feeling of seeing this image will lead to tremendous movement to make a change in the culture of ignorance and help these children.
In conclusion, visual images such as historical paintings and photography are a way of preserving memories. It is believed that photographs are the truth with a million words, however, the rationale of the image may be different according to different perception of the image. Some photographs may not be as ethical or true however, it is up to the audience to decide to believe or not.
References:
Bate, D. (2009) Photography: The Key Concepts. Oxford, UK.
Lury, C. (1998) Prosthetic Culture: Photography, Memory, and Identity.
Mullen, L. (1998) Truth In Photography: Perception, Myth and Reality In The Postmodern World. Florida.
Lury, C. (1998) Prosthetic Culture: Photography, Memory, and Identity.
Mullen, L. (1998) Truth In Photography: Perception, Myth and Reality In The Postmodern World. Florida.
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