Comments on: papapalooza on tour http://alecsothblog.wordpress.com/2007/07/10/papapalooza-on-tour/ photographica, miscellanea, etcetera Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:40:17 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Mark Sperry http://alecsothblog.wordpress.com/2007/07/10/papapalooza-on-tour/#comment-2981 Mark Sperry Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:51:32 +0000 http://alecsoth.com/blog/2007/07/10/papapalooza-on-tour/#comment-2981 There was a time when I was unsure whether or not I could still practice straight photography. I did not know if there was a place for it in the modern art scene. Granted, this was toward the beginning of my photo education and I was a bit immature. But still, Papageorge's comments, or maybe, that he felt the need make those comments, highlights an issue. I have heard people say, "straight photography is dead." And this idea, however absurd, was suggested by my University level beginning black and white professor. When Papageorge made the comment that "This process is synthetic, and the results, for me, are often emotionally synthetic too." I have to say I whole heartedly agree. I have never been moved by these works. They reject the emotional and embrace the cerebral. I like it when there is both for the mind and eyes to feast on. (See: poetry.) There was a time when I was unsure whether or not I could still practice straight photography. I did not know if there was a place for it in the modern art scene. Granted, this was toward the beginning of my photo education and I was a bit immature. But still, Papageorge’s comments, or maybe, that he felt the need make those comments, highlights an issue. I have heard people say, “straight photography is dead.” And this idea, however absurd, was suggested by my University level beginning black and white professor.

When Papageorge made the comment that “This process is synthetic, and the results, for me, are often emotionally synthetic too.” I have to say I whole heartedly agree.

I have never been moved by these works. They reject the emotional and embrace the cerebral. I like it when there is both for the mind and eyes to feast on. (See: poetry.)

]]> By: SHANE LAVALETTE / JOURNAL » Blog Archive » The Problem With Photographers Who Conceive a Picture First, Then Construct It -- According to Tod Papageorge http://alecsothblog.wordpress.com/2007/07/10/papapalooza-on-tour/#comment-2980 SHANE LAVALETTE / JOURNAL » Blog Archive » The Problem With Photographers Who Conceive a Picture First, Then Construct It -- According to Tod Papageorge Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:19:10 +0000 http://alecsoth.com/blog/2007/07/10/papapalooza-on-tour/#comment-2980 [...] In Alec’s most recent post, he has linked to Richard Lacayo’s little piece, The Problem with Postmodernism—certainly worth reading in full. A portion of the text discusses the fact that for years, Papageorge has been the head of the graduate program in photography at the Yale School of Art and, interestingly, doesn’t like much of the photography coming from the students. He tells Richard B. Woodward of Bomb Magazine why that is: [...] [...] In Alec’s most recent post, he has linked to Richard Lacayo’s little piece, The Problem with Postmodernism—certainly worth reading in full. A portion of the text discusses the fact that for years, Papageorge has been the head of the graduate program in photography at the Yale School of Art and, interestingly, doesn’t like much of the photography coming from the students. He tells Richard B. Woodward of Bomb Magazine why that is: [...]

]]> By: Jake Rowland http://alecsothblog.wordpress.com/2007/07/10/papapalooza-on-tour/#comment-2979 Jake Rowland Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:02:16 +0000 http://alecsoth.com/blog/2007/07/10/papapalooza-on-tour/#comment-2979 All one has to do to unequivocally debunk Papageorge's contention (not to mention sweeping generalization) that constructed/staged photography is a "synthetic" viewing experience is consider Phillip-Lorca diCorcia's "A Storybook Life" or Sally Mann's "Immediate Family". Great photography both, regardless of whatever label one attempts to attach to the work. I could go on. It would be quite easy to write a long list here of photographers who stage/contsruct photographs, with or without Photoshop, who are creating deeply moving, intelligent and ground-breaking work in the medium. However, I am thankfully not of the list writing persuasion. I have yet to view "Passing Through Eden". I'm looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about. Have been enjoying the blog, thanks. All one has to do to unequivocally debunk Papageorge’s contention (not to mention sweeping generalization) that constructed/staged photography is a “synthetic” viewing experience is consider Phillip-Lorca diCorcia’s “A Storybook Life” or Sally Mann’s “Immediate Family”. Great photography both, regardless of whatever label one attempts to attach to the work.

I could go on. It would be quite easy to write a long list here of photographers who stage/contsruct photographs, with or without Photoshop, who are creating deeply moving, intelligent and ground-breaking work in the medium. However, I am thankfully not of the list writing persuasion.

I have yet to view “Passing Through Eden”. I’m looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about.

Have been enjoying the blog, thanks.

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