Theory & Crit: October 2011

PH 302 Theory and Criticism

Photography: Theory & Criticism will examine historic and contemporary philosophical, aesthetic, and epistemological topics addressing the evolution of theories germane to contemporary photographic discourse. As a class, we will address structuralism, post-structuralism, deconstruction, semiotics, and the taxonomy of visual representation from simulacrum to social classification analysis. Conceptual understanding and the successful application of the topics addressed throughout this course are designed to further develop your photographic lexicon. The application of thoughtful, theory-based ideas can be employed to promote visual solutions to challenges in the design, execution, and creation of your work. Theories and topics discussed in the readings will be introduced with supporting imagery for discussion and debate.

Active discussion and participation are core requirements of this course.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Exhibition Review

Two page critical review of the exhibition at the Howard Yezerski Gallery:

http://www.howardyezerskigallery.com

460 Harrison Avenue, A16
Boston, Massachusetts 02118

phone(617) 262-0550 fax (617) 262-2444

Gallery Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10 - 5:30pm
Saturday 11 - 5:30pm

Closed Sunday and Monday

Due next class.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Readings 05

Evidence, Truth and Order: Photographic Records and the Growth of the State by John Tagg

Photographs of Agony by John Berger

In, Around, and Afterthoughts (on Documentary Photography) by Martha Rosler

Or one of the following:

Photojournalism and the Tabloid Press by Karin E. Becker
To Rescue Time from Photography by Carol Bove
Obsessive-Compulsive Daydreaming by Mary Heilmann

Monday, October 17, 2011

Readings 04

The Crisis of the Real: Photography and Postmodernism by Andy Grundberg

The Shadow of the Object: Photography and Realism by Sara Kember

Bring to class lens-based representations from each essay and be prepared to discuss the work you have selected in conjunction with the readings.

I look forward to reading your blog postings!

Outcomes

This course is designed to introduce critical theory and foster the understanding of multiple expectations/interpretations and potential message(s) contained within the photographic image. By deconstructing the conceptual design, formal elements, and the ever-evolving cultural architecture requisite to a contemporary visual language, we will develop the required skill sets to actively seek qualified meaning beyond an image’s superficial mimetic qualities. The ideas, theories, philosophies, and positions expressed by the assigned authors are subject to sensitive trends within ethnographical movements. Through multiple writing exercises, interviewing artists and critics, and attending gallery/museum exhibitions, we will define and articulate points of long-term personal aesthetic/conceptual interest.