Photography in the Age of Narcissism

The_Traveler

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I subscribe to a blog that is a bit more philosophical than most and the blogger has posted an interesting piece on Vivien Maier.

Two sentences I particularly agreed with are:

"Her eager reception by critics and audiences alike seems to me less about her photography and rather more about her remarkable life story."

and

".....the heightened status of photographs as objects which must be displayed makes it increasingly difficult for us to comprehend of making photographs solely for ourselves, or even for no one at all."

I find myself in the peculiar situation of liking to have people look at my photos and, on the other hand, like Gene Kelly's artist character in 'American in Paris', being completely unwilling to discuss them.
 
I thought this quote from the blog was a good one, although it's not an original thought, but one I've heard many times before, as a generality, and not associated with one, specific person:

"Maier seems to use the camera as an excuse to approach people on the street, it’s not difficult to imagine that photography was at least partly important because it offered a way to establish momentary connections with other people, at the same time keeping them at a safe distance. "

It is an odd story, the Vivian Maier story. I'd like to see the documentary film about her life and photos, but have not been able to track it down.
 
What??? Are you saying that photographers today are narcissistic? Noooooooo.
 
I find myself in the peculiar situation of liking to have people look at my photos and, on the other hand, like Gene Kelly's artist character in 'American in Paris', being completely unwilling to discuss them.

Why do you suppose that is?
 
Well I can't really speak for Gen Kelly's character but, as best I can figure out, my pictures are what they are, the framing and composition is pretty much determined by plucking a composition out of a chance arrangement.
I finish them technically the way I like them and, if people don't like them, what is there for me to say? The pictures are generally very simple and direct and, if viewers either don't get what I'm sayng or don't like how I'm saying it or disagree with what I'm saying, I've got nothing else.
If someon says something useful, I may incorporate it, but generally I thank them for comments and go on.
 
Art? Narcissism? Noooo, Salvador Dali was the most humble person who ever existed. :lol:

I don't know if I quite agree with that second quote. I don't take pictures to impress you guys. I know, I impress you guys by the fact that I still take photos this horrible, but that's beside the point. The point is that I know a lot of people who take photos just for themselves and their own purposes. It's not always about "Oh hey look at my art I'm an aaahhrrteeest" like the kids at the local expensive liberal arts college would want you to believe it is (they're quite aggravating, mostly because they're too busy text messaging to look for cars when crossing over the busiest street in the city). My father, for instance, has some absolutely incredible sunset and landscape scenes he took hanging in his house (done with what is now my OM-1n).
 
Considering that the "Age of Narcissism" started when the first two humanoids got together I am a bit perplexed at the thought of it being something new. Humans, being the creatures they are, are all narcissistic in some way shape or form. The artist, the chef, the woodworker, the tailor, the barber, they are all narcissistic. The degree may vary, but the trait is universal.
 
I find myself in the peculiar situation of liking to have people look at my photos and, on the other hand, like Gene Kelly's artist character in 'American in Paris', being completely unwilling to discuss them.

Why do you suppose that is?

Because my photos are art damn it and everyone else is stupid unless they shower me with the praise I deserve.
 
Considering that the "Age of Narcissism" started when the first two humanoids got together I am a bit perplexed at the thought of it being something new. Humans, being the creatures they are, are all narcissistic in some way shape or form. The artist, the chef, the woodworker, the tailor, the barber, they are all narcissistic. The degree may vary, but the trait is universal.

So assuming your choice of words is deliberate, "they" implies that you do not find yourself to be a member of that group. May I ask which sentient being class you belong to? :mrgreen:
 
Considering that the "Age of Narcissism" started when the first two humanoids got together I am a bit perplexed at the thought of it being something new. Humans, being the creatures they are, are all narcissistic in some way shape or form. The artist, the chef, the woodworker, the tailor, the barber, they are all narcissistic. The degree may vary, but the trait is universal.

So assuming your choice of words is deliberate, "they" implies that you do not find yourself to be a member of that group. May I ask which sentient being class you belong to? :mrgreen:
Oh hell no....They are we and we are they. As a wise man once said, "we are all in this together so everyone get ready to take their bite of the $#!% sandwich." :lol: Anais Nin hit the mark when she said: “We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
 
Only stones and dead people have no ego. We all need a few "atta boys" and "our place in the sun". As long as you're not hurting anyone and bringing joy to yourself and others, what's the harm?
 
Only stones and dead people have no ego. We all need a few "atta boys" and "our place in the sun". As long as you're not hurting anyone and bringing joy to yourself and others, what's the harm?

or perhaps a lack of ego. The need for recognition, approval, to be marveled at. What is lacking inside trying to be made up with outside influences.
Being at peace with oneself, happy with oneself, would mean little need for such recognition or approval.
 
Only stones and dead people have no ego. We all need a few "atta boys" and "our place in the sun". As long as you're not hurting anyone and bringing joy to yourself and others, what's the harm?

or perhaps a lack of ego. The need for recognition, approval, to be marveled at. What is lacking inside trying to be made up with outside influences.
Being at peace with oneself, happy with oneself, would mean little need for such recognition or approval.


Or perhaps it means someone has gotten the recognition that they have been seeking and their ego has reached a level of satisfaction.
 
Considering that the "Age of Narcissism" started when the first two humanoids got together I am a bit perplexed at the thought of it being something new. Humans, being the creatures they are, are all narcissistic in some way shape or form. The artist, the chef, the woodworker, the tailor, the barber, they are all narcissistic. The degree may vary, but the trait is universal.

Yes, this is facile but, until recently it was thought of as somehow immodest or impolite to insist on adulation for oneself; the words for doing that 'brag', 'boast', etc alll carry negative connotations. The point that the authors are making is that, not only do we do this without thought now, but even the technology has encouraged this; witness the backwards facing camera in the mobile phones, the ease of taking selfies and the flood of selfies on any public media. And a 'selfie' is not thought of as immodest but standard.
 
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