Photography and Ontology: Unsettling Images

This edited collection explores the complex ways in which photography is used and interpreted, examining its role as a revelatory medium and its association with history, memory, experience, and identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited collection delves into the multifaceted ways in which photography is employed and interpreted, serving as a powerful tool for recording evidence, facilitating communication, sparking social and political provocation, functioning as a mode of surveillance, telling the story of the self, and emerging as an art form. The unsettling nature of photographic images stems from their ability to challenge the self-evident reality of the visual field, prompting us to reevaluate our perceptions and interpretations. By exploring these themes, this book sheds light on the role of photography as a revelatory medium, intricately linked to history, memory, experience, and identity.

Introduction:
Photography has a profound impact on our lives, shaping our understanding of the world and influencing our interactions with others. This edited collection aims to explore the complex ways in which photography is used and interpreted, examining its role as a record of evidence, a form of communication, a means of social and political provocation, a mode of surveillance, a narrative of the self, and an art form.

Record of Evidence:
Photography serves as a valuable tool for recording historical events, capturing moments in time, and preserving memories for future generations. It allows us to document the world around us, providing a visual record of the past that can be used to analyze and interpret historical trends and events. Photographs can also be used as evidence in legal cases, helping to establish facts and prove or disprove allegations.

Form of Communication:
Photography is a powerful medium for communication, allowing us to convey emotions, ideas, and messages in a visually compelling way. It can be used to tell stories, convey messages of social and political importance, and raise awareness about important issues. Photographs can also be used to connect with others, fostering empathy and understanding and creating a sense of community.

Social and Political Provocation:
Photography has the ability to provoke and challenge societal norms and expectations. It can be used to highlight social injustices, raise awareness about environmental issues, and promote social change. Photographs can also be used to challenge the power structures of society, questioning the status quo and promoting alternative perspectives.

Mode of Surveillance:
Photography has been used as a tool of surveillance for centuries, allowing governments and organizations to monitor and control their populations. It can be used to track individuals, monitor public spaces, and gather evidence for law enforcement purposes. However, the use of photography as a mode of surveillance can also raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties.

Narrative of the Self:
Photography has the ability to capture and represent the self, providing a means of self-expression and self-discovery. It can be used to document personal experiences, reflect on one's identity, and explore the complexities of the human condition. Photographs can also be used to create self-portraits, which can be used to explore the relationship between the self and the world.

Art Form:
Photography is recognized as an art form in its own right, with its unique aesthetic and creative possibilities. It can be used to create visually stunning images that evoke emotions and provoke thought. Photography can also be used to explore artistic themes, such as identity, culture, and nature, and to challenge traditional artistic conventions.

Unsettling Nature of Photographic Images:
The unsettling nature of photographic images stems from their ability to challenge the self-evident reality of the visual field. Photographs can create illusions and distortions, making it difficult for us to discern what is real and what is not. They can also be used to manipulate our perceptions and emotions, creating a sense of unease and discomfort.

Re-uses and Interpretations of Photographic Images:
The re-uses and interpretations of photographic images can further unsettle the self-evident reality of the visual field. Photographs can be re-contextualized and re-interpreted, creating new meanings and perspectives that challenge our assumptions and beliefs. This can lead to a re-evaluation of our understanding of the world and our place in it.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited collection explores the complex ways in which photography is used and interpreted, examining its role as a record of evidence, a form of communication, a means of social and political provocation, a mode of surveillance, a narrative of the self, and an art form. The unsettling nature of photographic images stems from their ability to challenge the self-evident reality of the visual field, prompting us to reevaluate our perceptions and interpretations. By exploring these themes, this book sheds light on the role of photography as a revelatory medium, intricately linked to history, memory, experience, and identity.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032338941