What Photography Is

Nonfiction, Art & Architecture, Photography, General Art, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book What Photography Is by James Elkins, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James Elkins ISBN: 9781135844424
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 26, 2011
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: James Elkins
ISBN: 9781135844424
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 26, 2011
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In What Photography Is, James Elkins examines the strange and alluring power of photography in the same provocative and evocative manner as he explored oil painting in his best-selling What Painting Is. In the course of an extended imaginary dialogue with Roland Barthes's Camera Lucida, Elkins argues that photography is also about meaninglessness--its apparently endless capacity to show us things that we do not want or need to see--and also about pain, because extremely powerful images can sear permanently into our consciousness. Extensively illustrated with a surprising range of images, the book demonstrates that what makes photography uniquely powerful is its ability to express the difficulty--physical, psychological, emotional, and aesthetic--of the act of seeing.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In What Photography Is, James Elkins examines the strange and alluring power of photography in the same provocative and evocative manner as he explored oil painting in his best-selling What Painting Is. In the course of an extended imaginary dialogue with Roland Barthes's Camera Lucida, Elkins argues that photography is also about meaninglessness--its apparently endless capacity to show us things that we do not want or need to see--and also about pain, because extremely powerful images can sear permanently into our consciousness. Extensively illustrated with a surprising range of images, the book demonstrates that what makes photography uniquely powerful is its ability to express the difficulty--physical, psychological, emotional, and aesthetic--of the act of seeing.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Embryos, Ethics, and Women's Rights by James Elkins
Cover of the book US Foreign Policy and Democracy Promotion by James Elkins
Cover of the book The Hidden Campaign: FDR's Health and the 1944 Election by James Elkins
Cover of the book The Evolution of Hazardous Waste Programs by James Elkins
Cover of the book Women Soldiers and Citizenship in Israel by James Elkins
Cover of the book Community Biodiversity Management by James Elkins
Cover of the book The Lonely Quest by James Elkins
Cover of the book Starlit Dome - Wilson Knight by James Elkins
Cover of the book Contemporary Literary Landscapes by James Elkins
Cover of the book The Morning Chronicle Survey of Labour and the Poor by James Elkins
Cover of the book Satellite Newsgathering by James Elkins
Cover of the book Architectural Theories of the Environment by James Elkins
Cover of the book Becoming an Outstanding Languages Teacher by James Elkins
Cover of the book Persons in Context by James Elkins
Cover of the book Imagining Cities by James Elkins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy