Photography

Definition

Photography is the art and science of capturing images using light-sensitive materials or digital sensors, allowing for the documentation and interpretation of reality. This medium became a crucial tool in modern art movements, influencing how artists explore concepts like perception, identity, and culture, particularly within the context of the '85 New Wave and Experimental Art scene.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rise of photography coincided with significant technological advancements in the 19th century, which allowed artists to experiment with new forms and concepts.
2. During the '85 New Wave, photography was often used to critique societal norms and explore themes of identity, consumerism, and alienation.
3. Photographers began to move beyond traditional documentation to create conceptual works that challenged viewers' perceptions and interpretations.
4. Experimental photography techniques, such as montage and double exposure, gained popularity as artists sought innovative ways to express complex ideas.
5. This era saw a blurring of boundaries between fine art and commercial photography, leading to new discussions about authorship and artistic intent.

Review Questions

• How did photography influence the themes explored by artists during the '85 New Wave?
  • Photography played a vital role in shaping the themes of the '85 New Wave by providing artists with a new medium to explore complex ideas like identity, consumer culture, and societal critique. Artists utilized photography not just for documentation but as a way to engage viewers on deeper psychological levels. The ability to manipulate photographic images allowed for commentary on the artificial nature of media representations, making it a powerful tool for challenging existing norms.
• In what ways did experimental photography techniques contribute to the evolution of modern art movements?
  • Experimental photography techniques such as collage, montage, and manipulation challenged traditional notions of what photography could represent. These methods enabled artists to create layered meanings within their works, breaking away from mere representation. As a result, experimental photography not only expanded artistic expression but also encouraged new dialogues about reality, perception, and artistic intent within modern art movements.
• Evaluate the impact of photography on society's perception of reality during the '85 New Wave period.
  • Photography had a profound impact on society's perception of reality during the '85 New Wave period by reshaping how images were consumed and interpreted. With the rise of mass media and instant imagery, photography became a central tool in critiquing consumerism and societal values. Artists used photography to expose the constructed nature of reality portrayed in mainstream media, prompting audiences to question their relationship with visual culture and consider deeper implications about truth and representation in their everyday lives.

Related terms

Dadaism:

An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, Dadaism challenged conventional aesthetics and embraced absurdity, influencing the use of photography in unexpected ways.

Surrealism:

A cultural movement that sought to challenge the boundaries of reality through dream-like imagery and unexpected juxtapositions, often employing photography as a means to evoke subconscious thought.

Photojournalism: A genre of journalism that uses photography to tell news stories, capturing real-life moments and events to inform and engage the public.