Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/09/03

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Subject: Re: [Leica] New photos/Arbus
From: "Steve Barbour" <kididdoc@cox.net>
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 08:18:27 -0700
References: <24456506-DDA7-11D7-8747-000393462E70@johnbrownlow.com>

> 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






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In reply to: Message from Johnny Deadman <lists@johnbrownlow.com> (Re: [Leica] New photos/Arbus)