Photography has evolved over the years mainly due to technological advancements that have resulted in superior photography equipment and enabled photographers to be more creative with images. Despite these changes, the role of photography in society remains largely unchanged. Photographs serve as documentary evidence of events or occurrences. They can also be used for social criticism. Museums provide photographers with a place to exhibit their work to a large audience. Visitors to museums, therefore, have the opportunity to view several images and make meanings based on how they perceive those images. This report examines three photos found at the SFMOMA Virtual Museum to establish their meanings and how various techniques of photography have been applied in the selected photos.
“David Goldblatt, Couple on a Sunday afternoon, Zoo Lake, Johannesburg. 1975, from the series Particulars, 1975; printed 2010”
The time and date that the photo was taken can be found in the description. However, the period can also be identified from the fashion sense of the people in the photo. It can be argued that the photo was taken in the 70s or 80s based on how the couple is dressed.
The photograph fails to show the faces or identity of the couple. It causes one to wonder whether this was by design or default. The photo is an up-close shot which means that the subjects could not have been unaware that their images were being taken. If it was taken from a distance, the argument might have been that the couple was not aware that their photo was being taken and, therefore, the hidden faces is an issue of privacy preservation. The up-close shot, however, shows that the photographer may have intentionally hidden the faces of the couple to bring the attention of the audience to how the subjects are seated on the bench. Looking at the photograph for the first time, attention is immediately drawn to how the couple is sitting on the bench. The lack of close sitting may indicate that the couple is distant. This interpretation is an indication of how photographers can seek to influence the perception of the audience by focusing on various elements in a photograph. Although the photographer possesses this power, the audience can still choose to interpret photos solely based on their perceptions.
David Goldblatt, Mrs. Miriam Diale in her bedroom, 5357 Orlando East, October 18, 1972, 1972
The photo description indicates that the subject in the photograph is Mrs. Miriam Diale. The audience can obtain more information about a photograph from the description made available by the photographer. The fashion sense of the subject offers information regarding the period from which the photo is taken.
The photographer has attempted to ensure balance in the photo by capturing what looks like a stand on the right side. Without it, the photo would appear unbalanced because most of the objects would be on the left side. The background of the photo also draws the attention of the audience. The photographer has ensured that the background is as conspicuous as the foreground. Effective lighting has made this possible. Without proper lighting, only the foreground could have been visible. The hindsight of this is that the background distracts the audience from focusing on the subject. The background shows a wall that is worn out. This may have been the intention of the photographer. He aimed to bring attention to the socioeconomic status of the subject by ensuring that the damaged wall is noticeable to the audience. The photo was taken in South Africa during the Apartheid years during which blacks were significantly marginalized. The wall, therefore, shows that the subject was dwelling in a place that matched her social and economic status.
The photographer also vividly captures the face of the subject. She does not seem happy, perhaps an indication that she felt like an outcast in her own country.
David Goldblatt, Farmer's son with his nursemaid, Marico Bushveld. December 1964, 1964
This photo by Goldblatt captures race relations in apartheid South Africa. The photo shows a white farmer’s son with his nursemaid. Their smiling faces indicate that the two get along well. The boy holds his nursemaid affectionately. However, a black nursemaid is an indication of the social status of blacks during apartheid. They could mainly find work by serving wealth white farmers. The innocence of the child further indicates that racism is something learned.
The photographer has ensured balance in the photo by capturing the subjects at the center of the photo. The focus is also sharp to ensure that the audience views the emotions of the subjects.
In conclusion, I feel that the layout of the museum is successful because visitors to the site can easily identify images that interest them. It is also possible to explore photos by a photographer. The three photos also show that photographers can use their platform for social criticism and inspire changes in perception and attitude. The individual photographs capture the essence of humanity, highlighting the negatives and positives of human nature.
Works Cited
https://www.sfmoma.org/artists-artworks/photography/
