Introduction
In the realm of contemporary art photography, the boundaries between life and reality often blur. Viewers are frequently challenged to discern a photograph as a work of art from a mere snapshot. In “The Photograph as Contemporary Art (World of Art)”, Charlotte Cotton delves into this dilemma, prompting readers to question what constitutes art within the context of photography (2020).
Various questions underpin people’s understanding of contemporary art photography. The questions concern what transforms a photograph into a piece of art: is it the intention behind its creation, the skill of the photographer, or the context in which it is presented?
Cotton’s book seeks to tackle this multifaceted query by categorizing this art field into themes. These themes illuminate a broader spectrum of motivations and working practices that unite photographers in their pursuit of artistry. This paper aims to explore the themes characterizing contemporary art photography and answer the questions of how the artistic character of a photograph is defined and what unites authors in their pursuit of artistry.
Defining Art and Photography
Before exploring contemporary art photography, it is essential to first address the question of what exactly constitutes art and how it applies to the medium of photography. The concept of art in itself is elusive and open to interpretation. This elusiveness can also be perceived in the art of photography: it is challenging to define the distinction between what can be considered an art piece and a regular shot. This distinction is frequently contingent upon factors such as intention and content (Cotton, 2020). The deliberate choices made by a photographer, the message they aim to convey, and the context in which a photograph is presented all play a pivotal role in classifying it as a work of art.
From Observers to Orchestrators
For a long time, photographers have been perceived as observers who capture moments as they unfold, independently of the artist’s intent. Many, however, do not agree with this role and perceive themselves as active directors of art. This transformation signifies a profound shift in the artist’s positioning, emphasizing the deliberate manipulation of circumstances to craft a compelling image.
In this case, as Cotton (2020) states, “the act of artistic creation begins long before the camera is actually held in position and an image fixed, starting instead with the planning of an idea” (p. 21). As such, photography is akin to performance, encompassing all its elements. For example, Ukrainian artist Oleg Kulik orchestrates performances that incorporate animistic and zoomorphic elements (Cotton, 2020). The dynamic interplay between the artist and the subject characterizes a photograph as an art piece and connects the photographers who wish to be orchestrators.
Telling a Story
A photograph serving as a performance is also connected to the theme of the art of storytelling through the lens of a camera. Similarly, in the case of a photographer unwilling to be a powerless observer, they also do not want their art to be static. Instead, they intend to create a story behind the photo and convey it to the viewer. Through a single frame or a series of images, photographers can craft compelling visual stories that resonate with viewers on a profound level. These narratives transcend mere documentation, delving into the realms of emotion, culture, identity, or socio-political commentary.
Cotton (2020) emphasizes the strong connection between storytelling, photography, and figurative painting. It highlights that this affinity “demonstrates a shared understanding of how a scene can be choreographed for the viewer so that he or she can recognize that a story is being told” (p. 49). By applying visual elements, symbols, and metaphorical imagery, the artist blurs the distinction between photography and other traditional art forms, such as painting.
Stripping Away Emotions
Another theme that many artists share is the use of a deadpan aesthetic in photography. The photographer’s intention here is to remove the excesses of emotion, drama, and conventional beauty. Instead, they opt for an unembellished portrayal of subjects and scenes.
A mere photograph typically aims to depict the flattering side of things, which often bears little resemblance to reality. The deadpan approach does the exact opposite: it strives for rawness and minimalism, serving to arrest the viewer’s gaze and prompting them to contemplate the subject with fresh eyes. Cotton (2020) states that the goal here is to detach the subjective view, particularly that of the author: “The emphasis, then, is on photography as a way of seeing beyond the limitations of individual perspective” (p. 81).
This approach also challenges people’s preconceptions about what can be considered art. It also invites the viewer to contemplate the story behind the subjects of the photography and try to understand what made the artist choose them (Alegria, 2022). The emotionless image leaves space for interpretation and reflection, allowing the viewer to make their own conclusions.
Turning the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
The difference between a regular photo and an art piece lies in the photographer’s ability to present ordinary, mundane objects as something remarkable and unusual. Through the camera’s lens, a simple object is no longer just an object; it can become a vessel of storytelling, symbolizing emotions, or challenging one’s perceptions of reality. When taken out of the frame, these objects often seem entirely unexpected to play the role of a character in the story the author tries to tell. They can range from the most boring and common ones to the ones that cause aversion or confusion: “The iconography for this strand of photography includes objects balanced and stacked, the edges or corners of things, abandoned spaces, rubbish and decay” (Cotton, 2020, p. 115). This approach can also be defined as still-life photography, creating an affinity with the genre of painting. In the case of photography, however, the choice of objects and the intended meaning behind them is even more multifaceted, aiming to evoke specific thought processes in the observer.
A prominent follower of this approach is the Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco. His photographs often transcend mere visual representation: his “art is full of impossible, witty and imaginative games” (Cotton, 2020, p. 116). In his work “Breath on Piano”, the artist turns the breath reflected on the piano surface into art (Cotton, 2020). Orozco’s keen eye for detail and his adept use of light and shadow create compositions that are not only aesthetically captivating but also thought-provoking.
Presenting the Intimate
The art of photography makes the viewer aware of the everyday experiences that shape their life. Through the lens, photographers convey stories of love, vulnerability, joy, and the mundane, often evoking a universal sense of nostalgia and resonance. Cotton (2020) points out: “What is important is the presence of loved ones at a significant event or moment that prompted the taking of the image” (p. 137). The power to make these seemingly small and fleeting moments visible to the viewer is what distinguishes art. The artists emphasize that within the ordinary, a wealth of compelling narratives exists, waiting to be illuminated by the artistry of contemporary photographers.
Depicting History
Photography plays a pivotal role in capturing the essence of history. The theme of photography depicting history embodies a powerful fusion of art and documentation. The artist not only documents an event objectively, but they also make the photograph convey a specific message (Cotton, 2020). Some messages may be related to the horrors of war; others may encapsulate the essence of a bygone era. History can be viewed from different angles, which is what art photography aims to achieve.
Reshaping the Boundaries of Visual Expression
Postmodernism has redefined photography as an art form, challenging traditional conventions and fostering a sense of creative freedom, which allows artists to experiment with diverse styles, techniques, and media. Postmodernist approach, Cotton (2020) argues, “examined the medium in terms of its production, dissemination and reception, and engaged with its inherent reproducibility, mimicry and falsity” (p. 191). This examination challenged established norms and raised profound questions about the nature of photographic truth and representation.
Conclusion: Finding the Answers
The definition of a photograph as art is contingent on the intent of the author and how they do it. An artist can play the role of an orchestrator and create a performance through a single image. Similarly, they can convey a story and imbue a picture with meaning, or, conversely, strip it of all subjective perceptions, leaving it emotionally bare to the viewer’s eyes. They can make the spectator observe the exceptional in mundane objects or simple, intimate moments; or, they can make the viewer realize truths by showing them history or reinventing the notion of art. All of these choices made by photographers transform their work into art pieces and serve as a common ground for them as creators.
References
Alegria, F. (2022). The meaning and definition of deadpan photography. Visual Cult Magazine.
Cotton, C. (2020). The photograph as contemporary art (world of art) (4th ed.). Thames & Hudson.