Discussion #1

Written by croozchurdee

Discussion #1

  1. Keywords:
    a. Metonymy: the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant
    b. Preclude: to prevent the presence, existence, or occurrence of; make impossible.
    c. Semiotic: of or relating to signs
    d. Tendentiousness: having or showing a define tendency, bias, or purpose.

  2. a. Main points from material:
    i. Defining the true definition of photography through the lens/concept of “photographic discourse”, and showing how because it works in such a system, it is able to define itself as something both informative and artistic.
    ii. The cultural definition of photography is incredibly varied and has been argued that it can be presented both with and without context.
    iii. That photography is able to show polarities in systems (informative vs interpretive; socialist VS conservative; rich VS poor; real VS mystic.). Overall, it is able to showcase duality or at least generate conversation concerning the grey areas of ideas.
    b. Important/interesting things:
    i. It piqued my interest to read about those that were against photography as an art, especially considering it as something almost controversial or the demise of the art world due to its reproducibility. Although the essay delves into examples where this is the opposite case. It makes me think about how I always saw photography as an art form and was not necessarily as experimental or was more straight-forward compared to other mediums. It was especially interesting to see the lack of appeal due to its striking accuracy in capturing nature, and how photographers were not seen as creators, but just those who had captured the nature/god’s creations. It reminds me of people’s attitude today towards genetic modification and advances in technology (that are especially occurring at a rapid rate)
    c. Question:
    i. How is photography defined in contemporary terms? How does the theme of “mysticism” (as was stated in the essay) translate into more contemporary settings?
  3. Extra:
    a. Cool Wikipedia article on the different types of synethesia (which was briefly mentioned in the essay) and was interesting as he idea that “shapes = emotions” is not just a imagined narrative, but is a reality for some people. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia