hilary_spencer1

If anyone has a chance, there is an amazing retrospective of his work at the Martin-Gropius-Bau museum in Berlin right now. 7 rooms filled with his work which makes you realize how much he accomplished during his life. Amazing.

<p>A good example for this discussion might be Chuck Close's recent photographs of Kate Moss in W magazine (Sept 2003). He used a daguerreotype (not common in fashion photography). The photos definitely do not look retouched and Close claims that they have not been airbrushed. I think this lends support to antithesis 2, though I agree with the earlier post about this needing a definition of beauty. If beauty is subjective, then retouching can both add beauty and destroy it.

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<p><a href="http://www.artcritical.com/DavidCohen/sun_images_august/close.jpg">Example 1</a> <br> <a href="http://www.style.com/style/view/07/74/100107407.jpg">Example 2</a>

<p>I am researching ethics in photography criticism, writings by art

historians, and statements by photographers. I have read Susan

Sontag's <i>On Photography</i> a number of times now and have not

found another book where as many ethical claims on photography have

been made.</p>

 

<p>So far, I have looked into feminist criticisms of pornography,

numerous discussions regarding manipulation of photographs, and

journalistic practices (such as the ASMP's and NPPA's codes of

conduct), among other things. I would like to know, from those

people who have thought about this:

<br> - What readings have influenced you the most?

<br> - Are there photographers who you think have conducted

themselves in an exemplary manner and who have expressed their

reasons for doing so?

<br> - Regarding people who criticize photographers (or individual

photographs), have there been any who you strongly agree or disagree

with?</p>

<p>Much thanks to anyone who takes the time to respond!</p>