Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/09/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> I am not going to set myself up as Arbus' apologist -- others have done > that much better than I can -- but the criticism of her that I have > seen on this list is banal and superficial in the extreme. It is one > thing to say you don't get off on her photographs -- that's your right > -- but if you go further than that then you owe it to yourself to do > more than do the critical equivalent of sniffing your own armpit and > reporting on how it smells to you. > > Of course if what you demand of your photography is Rembrandt lighting > and the eyes nicely in focus and a warm gooey feeling (or possible an > uncomfortable but somehow reassuring feeling of suburban guilt at the > plight of others who are respectfully rendered in BW with outstanding > bokeh) then you will want to look elsewhere. *clip----- John Brownlow Hi John....as I'm not a professional photographer, or into social commentary (just an amateur shooter) and not more than modestly familiar with the history of photography, I looked at some of Diane Arbus' better known images out of sincere curiosity... My reaction...unusual for me ...you likely saw... I was surprised at my reaction, and the strength of my convictions...quoted below...so I took a second look (I figured I'd missed it)...but again I had the same reaction... "Diane Arbus finds ugly people and makes them look uglier, a true blue sensationalist-opportunist. The photos certainly are compelling but..... not very compassionate or subtle, as if we didn't already know that people can be caricatures of themselves..." so really what is the big fuss over her? Was she a unique visionary? Is she being given credit she deserves? Her insights were hardly original, and she appears to have taken advantage of the people she came close to, in order to photograph. unfair... possibly...but a valid, and defensible reaction...quite honest... though I am sure others will differ... Steve - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html