Perceptions
Our perceptions of people, objects, houses and places (to name a few) can be skewed by what we are told. I find this most prominent at the Tate Modern. There are some fantastic artistic pieces exhibited there. One permanent piece that always catches my eye is a stretch of unpainted square canvas that has a large rip through the middle of it.
If I had accidentally ripped a piece of canvas, the next home for it would be the bin. However Lucio Fontana made a name for himself creating a series of works named “Tagli” cuts. His aim was to make you think carefully about the piece “Art dies but is saved by gesture” A plain canvas is instantly changed evoking pain, slashes, gouges, and wounds to the skin.
There are people who will still see a damaged canvas that has no right in an art gallery, but reading through the reasoning’s behind Fontana’s work gives me some food for thought. I look beyond the action and see what the work portrays to me.Everyone has their own opinions on things such as politics, food, people and art. But what if that piece of art was hanging in a prominent gallery with a price tag of £1000 compared to the same piece of art being sold for £10 at a car boot sale?
What if I told you the photo below was taken by a 7-year-old child with his first camera, compared to the same photo winning Dog Photographer of the Year. If I was told that a 7-year-old had taken the photo I would appreciate the skill involved and commend the child for producing a lovely shot. However, if I was told that this photo won a prestigious competition I would start to wonder what thought process was involved, why they took it, when and where they did and what improvements could have been made compared to other dog photos.
What we are told influences us massively. We need to be careful not to be swayed too much and focus more on what we like and a certain feeling we have. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion. Everyone has one. It's what makes us unique and different. Healthy debates can be fought with passion and creates engaging conversation. What we don’t want to do is change our thoughts based on the loudest voice in the room, or what other people want us to think.
If you love the photos you take don’t be swayed by the opinions of others. Art is subjective and you have to ask yourself, why do you take photos? If it comes from a place from love and passion, then only YOU need to be happy with the images you take. Any photographer you hire will have a gallery of photos to look through to decide whether you like their style enough to book them. Photographers work to their own tune.
Always respect other people’s opinions and your surroundings, but shoot what you want, when you want. NOT what you think other people would want. Think for yourself.
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- 13th November 2017
