Many people claim that the word art cannot apply to contemporary artworks and photojournalism. When it comes to paintings or sculpture, it is argued that artists simply try to stand out from the rest of their peers or shock the public. Photography is regarded as a mere reflection of the reality that is created with the help of technology. This paper focuses on photography and its connection to art. It can be difficult to differentiate between photographs and pieces of art. However, Arthur Danto’s notion of interpretation as a key component of art can help in identifying artworks within the domain of photojournalism.
When considering the nature of contemporary art, Danto refers to Brillo Box by Andy Warhol (29). The art critic emphasizes that the depiction of Brillo boxes acquires an artistic value when the picture is characterized by hidden meanings and interpretations. Therefore, in order to identify a masterpiece among mere depictions, it is necessary to focus on meanings and interpretations (Danto 55). In simple terms, a photograph of a pile of boxes becomes an artwork if the viewer sees the idea behind the object. For instance, the photographer can reflect on such issues as consumerism or environmental responsibility. Importantly, although photographs can be easily reproduced, they can still be regarded as works of art as the photographer managed to capture the meaning.
In conclusion, it is necessary to stress that photography is a specific form of art that involves the use of technology. Danto’s view on artistic value helps in understanding photojournalism. Meaning and interpretation are elements of art. Hence, photographs that have hidden or explicit meanings are works of art. When people take pictures to capture memories, they use technology to reflect reality. When photographers capture meanings in the reflection of life, they create pieces of art.
Work Cited
Danto, Arthur C. What Art Is. Yale University Press, 2014.