What does Sontag say about photography?

More than anything, however, Sontag argues that the photographic image is a control mechanism we exert upon the world — upon our experience of it and upon others’ perception of our experience: Photographs really are experience captured, and the camera is the ideal arm of consciousness in its acquisitive mood.

What does Susan Sontag say about photography?

Sontag insists photography is an aggressive act which makes reality atomic, manageable, denies interconnectedness and continuity, and confers on each moment the character of a mystery. Alienating us from direct experience, the photo provides a more intense second-hand experience, an illusion of knowledge.

Who wrote the book on photography?

Susan Sontag
On Photography/Authors

Why did Susan Sontag write on photography?

Photography conflates the notions of the “beautiful” and the “interesting.” It’s a way of aestheticizing the whole world. Movius: Why did you decide to write about photography? Sontag: Because I’ve had the experience of being obsessed by photographs.

Is photography art essay?

Most people would agree that art is sketching, drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, and mixed media. In recent years, the Art world has embraced photography as a medium that people can use to create works of art. Yet, not all photographs are considered art.

What is Susan Sontag known for?

Susan Sontag, née Susan Rosenblatt, (born January 16, 1933, New York, New York, U.S.—died December 28, 2004, New York), American intellectual and writer best known for her essays on modern culture. Sontag (who adopted her stepfather’s name) was reared in Tucson, Arizona, and in Los Angeles.

When was on photography written?

1977
One of the most highly regarded books of its kind, Susan Sontag’s On Photography first appeared in 1977 and is described by its author as “a progress of essays about the meaning and career of photographs.” It begins with the famous “In Plato’s Cave”essay, then offers five other prose meditations on this topic, and …

When was on photography published?

On Photography/Originally published

Is photography an art or science essay?

One type of visual art that is natural to integrate with science is photography. Photography is both an art and a science. The camera, which creates art, also captures and teaches us scientific understandings.

When did Susan Sontag’s book on photography come out?

One of the most highly regarded books of its kind, On Photography first appeared in 1977 and is described by its author as “a progress of essays about the meaning and career of photographs.”

Where did Susan Sontag go to high school?

Susan Sontag was born in New York City on January 16, 1933. She received her B.A. from the College of the University of Chicago and did graduate work in philosophy, literature, and theology at Harvard University and Saint Anne’s College, Oxford.

How is Susan Sontag’s analysis of photography deflating?

This statement is emblematic of the author’s attitude throughout her dazzling but ultimately deflating analysis of photography. Sontag’s intellect is unquestionably clear-eyed and sharp, but her consistent comparisons of photography to consumption, theft, and even rape wore me down as a reader.

What is the meaning of Susan Sontag’s quote?

“To suffer is one thing; another thing is living with the photographed images of suffering, which does not necessarily strengthen conscience and the ability to be compassionate. It can also corrupt them. Once one has seen such images, one has started down the road of seeing more – and more.