On the Invention of Photographic Meaning
Dados Bibliográficos
AUTOR(ES) | |
---|---|
EDITOR(ES) | R. Bolton |
ANO | 1982 |
TIPO | Book |
PERIÓDICO | Thinking Photography |
DOI | 10.1007/978-1-349-16716-6_5 |
ADICIONADO EM | 2025-08-29 |
Resumo
Allan Sekula's influential essay, "On the Invention of Photographic Meaning," challenges the notion of photography as a purely objective medium. He argues that photographic meaning is not inherent in the image itself but is constructed through complex social and historical processes. Sekula critiques the dominant aesthetic discourses surrounding photography, particularly those that emphasize the photograph's supposed transparency and ability to capture reality objectively. He explores how captions, contexts of display, and broader cultural narratives shape the interpretation of photographs, demonstrating how meaning is produced through the interplay of image and text. Sekula introduces the concept of the "photographic discourse," a system of conventions and practices that governs the production, circulation, and reception of photographs. He analyzes how this discourse functions ideologically, often serving to reinforce existing power structures and social hierarchies. By examining various historical examples, including documentary photography and photojournalism, Sekula reveals how photographs can be used to construct and disseminate specific narratives about social issues and historical events. He emphasizes the importance of considering the social and political context in which photographs are created and consumed to understand their true meaning.