An in-depth interview with the photograph:

Why would a photographer and photographs want to upset the arts community?

Photograph:  I only want to upset those in the arts community that instruct in the field of art and those who criticize it. Let’s look at the root of the issue. Where does the slogan Art for Art’s Sake come from. From our ever popular internet resource Wikipedia:

“Art for art’s sake” is the usual English rendition of a French slogan, “l’art pour l’art’,” which was coined early in the nineteenth century by the French philosopher Victor Cousin and became a bohemian slogan during the nineteenth century. Although Théophile Gautier (1811 – 1872) did not use the actual words, the preface to his novel Mademoiselle de Maupin (1835) was the earliest manifesto of the idea that art was valuable as art, that artistic pursuits were their own justification, and that art did not need moral justification and was even allowed to be morally subversive.

Define the meaning of  “What does Art not For Art’s Sake ?”

Photograph: The new standard in the art’s community that a follows the mantra that created piece of work is simply a piece of work. It is what it is and nothing more. It is not Art, it just simply is. There are no trappings of grandeur and pontification by an art critic. It is “Hi! I am simply a photograph for you to enjoy or dislike at your pleasure. You may pontificate and search for the reasons for the photograph but you must do so with your inside voice.”

Why the slamming of art critics?

Photograph: There are too many critics and instructors in the art world that only talk in words, but have no substance. There is no background behind their words. For the layman, the equivalent is a unlicensed car driver working for an automotive magazine. Simply put, put up or shut up. If you do have something to back you up, then you have at least the basic requirement for being an art critic.

What about constructive criticism?

Photograph: The best kind of criticism. If you are a working professional photographer and you can offer constructive criticism in a sincere effort to help somebody progress in the field you are positioning yourself on your first step to sainthood. There are too few people who can offer good constructive criticism. Too often, people deviate from this path and end up providing sarcastic criticism.

Before we go, any funny anecdotes about the art world?

Photograph:

A well-known instructor in the image arts field was giving a gallery tour to group of photography students. In the middle of the tour of a well-known twentieth century portrait photographer, a student asked the instructor a question. Can you comment on the lighting style used in the portraits. Most of them appear to be simple two and three light setups. The instructor replied that she knew nothing about lighting as she did not shoot. (take pictures)

The photograph rests its case and the jury is out for deliberations.

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.