WEEK 8: Photography

Human brain seems to be more complex compare to other species but on the other hand, we also have this delicacy where by our memories does not exist forever. Memories to our experience in life tend to exist and disappear as time goes by. We might remember what happen or how we look like the past 5 years but when i ask my self, "Without my photograph, would i remember or recall what happened or how do i look when i was 3 years old?" the answer is no. maybe i would remember some situation but i could not recall everything that has happen in that situation. Thus, a photograph is a memory as stated by Bachen.G:

"there is even a kind of memory we call 'photographic,' meaning an exact and self-conscious recall of past event, scenes or text'.

Our mind or perception can be subconsciously change when we see a photograph.Not all pictures can be taken as a representation of a reality but once it manage to reach this level, our mind and view to certain things may be change. How does cultural critique of photography did this? How can a photograph can change our view for other culture? i will explain using the images above:

Both of the picture above represent the Indian people lifestyle and culture. From these pictures it shows that they do not have a proper standard of living which can be seen from the house in the second picture. 

'a photographer is able to place him or herself in a privileged position/location to bring or social or political issues to the attention of the viewers' as stated by Wright.T (1999). We as the viewers will arrive at a conclusion that India is a poor country when we see those pictures. It is because we feel that we''re in the situation above. While in the first picture it shows that how Indian people struggle to gain their income every single day. Indirectly we are producing a critique to their culture and society from both photograph and it proves that photograph is one of a powerful persuasive tools the photographer used to sent a message.

Other than that, Photograph also mostly used as an evidence to a situation which indicates the truth and reality. For example the photograph above was taken in Amsterdam. Through the image of people in the picture above proved that prostitution activities or business are legalized within the city law. Once again we also provide a cultural critique of the society in Amsterdam with certain perspective.

This picture was Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky which said to be his Bill Clinton scandal. In the first place, Bill Clinton able to denied about his relationship with Monica for the sake of his wife Hillary. But after a few shot being captured as an evidence, he no longer denied this case anymore. Thus photograph may sometimes produce truth and justice of the reality with the the 'Camera as witness'

REFERENCES

• Wells.L, (2003), Photography reader, Routledge
• Wells.L, (2000), Photography: A critical introduction, Routledge
• Wright.T, (1999), Photography hand book, Routledge
• Batchen.G, (2006), Forget me not: photography and remembrance, New York; Princeton Architectural Press