Paul Maxim has written interesting mini-essays, for example on the use of visual metaphors in politics. I posted a comment on this, being interested in the use of politics as an example of interpreting photographs. Is politics becoming relevant once again? Or is politics just a topical example of how photographs define the reality?
But what about those photographers who are non-political, at least in their own opinion? What other defining contexts are possible (or relevant) today?
Continuing the analysis, Paul Maxim made a rather strong statement: '... as soon as you express an opinion (photographically or otherwise), you are, in a sense, being “political”'.
This brought to mind some of my own ideas on photography, which I no longer believe in. At one point I claimed - rather naively - that none of my photographs are political. But nowadays I'm not so sure. Perhaps mine are just bad photographs. Or perhaps I don't have any opinions, or the skill to express opinions via photography. I hope it is just a question of skills.
Further in this direction, there arises a question from almost the opposite side on the matter: Can there be good photographs which are not political?
The photograph shown here is from today. We had a nice amount of sunshine, in many ways this was an excellent winter day. I even managed to do some cross-country skiing today.
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2 comments:
Re "Can there be good photographs which are not political?"
I guess it's a question of mindset, and someone highly politicized will not take a no as an answer, because even the expressed will to be not political becomes a political statement denouncing the author of acting, maybe, irresponsible.
I guess being being aware of the political context of all our actions allows us for moments of private pleasure, enjoying things as they are. Snow, a tree, blue sky, two persons photographing can be such a moment. So yes, there are "not political" photographs and the balance between those and the political ones is a very personal choice.
Good points!
I have been thinking what is the difference between "political" photography and photographs that express opinions.
For example, I have strong opinions about certain subjects (such as science), but they are not popular topics, so it is probable that these opinions wouldn't be "political" in the sense of interesting a great many people (and thus, politicians). And trying to express these opinions in photographs doesn't seem a worthwhile cause. (Even if I had the skill.)
On the other hand, there certainly are subjects which are popular but not necessarily political. For example things which provide enjoyment - beauty - for the viewers.
But perhaps there is a politial viewpoint to this as well - presenting (or trying to present) beauty may be a conservative viewpoint: being satisfied with things, enjoying the world as it is, not promoting a change.
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