Judging the Photography Awards: Why Not Just Paint It?
Photographs can favor artistry over other values such as documentary witness, hard-boiled realism, formal simplicity, or critical provocation. But should they win awards for it?
Continue Reading
The Pet Goat, Revisited. (Or: The 9/11 Photo I Never Saw Before.)
Given the intense criticism Bush endured for not responding immediately to that cataclysmic event, why is this photo now enshrined in the Bush Library's 9/11 photo gallery?
Continue Reading
Heaping Shit on the Russians: Danger of a Low Bar?
If we're plunging headfirst into a crass visual meme, I think it's instructive.
Continue Reading
Dylan Farrow is Looking at Us
While the “he said/she said” label casts both Allen and Farrow as objects, Farrow’s photo asserts her status as a subject. Someone with agency. Someone with power. An accuser rather than a victim.
Continue Reading
Southern US Hit With Storm of Kindness and Humor
It was a disaster, all right: thousands of vehicles stranded; major highways closed; entire cities shut down in eerie silence. Reminds you of the Congress, doesn’t it?
Continue Reading
2014 Super Bowl Ads: Wisdom of the Puppies?
Could all these puppy ads speak to a desire in the culture for a kinder and and more genial atmosphere?
Continue Reading
Communications from Above
What I'm not able to tell is if Nachtwey is being ironic or he's serious about placing this modern ritual on such a spiritual plane.
Continue Reading