Plato’s Cave Susan SontagFrom On Photography: New York: Delta Books, 1977, pp. 3-24.
Academic Response by Jordan Coles
The essence of what Sontag is saying is that there is a difference between the knowledge and interpretations gained from photographs and photographers. Sontag begins by stating that when photography became a medium in the world, it was considered as a way of documenting people, environments and objects but not in a way to create an artistic expression. Paintings already existed therefore why were photographs needed other than being used as a way to show the world as it is? When photography gradually developed into another way for people to express their interpretation of the world, It opened a whole new avenue to give meaning behind an artistic medium. It could be used to evidence the ‘real’ world, manipulation of the world and photographers interpretations of the world.
As Sontag states “A photograph passes for incontrovertible proof that a given thing happened. The picture may distort; but there is always a presumption that something exists, or did exist.-” A camera can be used to express an art form, preserve loved ones and beloved memories but can also be used as a way of creating power in various ways. A way of proving aspects of life. Creating nostalgia. Without it, did it really happen? “Taking photographs has set up a chronic voyeuristic relation to the world which levels the meaning of all events.”
Sontag then goes on to explain how a photograph is not just the end result of the encounter between the photographer and the event but that the process of taking the picture is an event in itself. After the photographic event has ended, the photograph will remain in time but the photo would not be fixed in place if the connection between the photographer and the event took place. Interpretations can be subjective but the process itself is objective. Sontag also states that “Photographing is essentially an act of non-intervention.” This is true, to an extent, many photographers manipulate their photo both before and afterwards. By waiting for a certain expression or motion of body language from a subject to alter the environment to add depth or create a meaning that may have not been interpreted if that one aspect was or was not there.
Photography has desire, hidden or not so hidden meanings, a message to be interpreted or sometimes just a way to capture the world and preserve memories. Photographs have changed the way media is presented and observed. Photography can be used to bring depth to the world, showcase events and humanity or to be used as a way to manipulate a mass audience to suit whoever is showcasing. “Photographs cannot create a moral position, but they can reinforce one - and help build a nascent one.”
If we can see what the camera saw, then we cannot dispute it, can we? The audience must accept it just as the camera did. Majority of people have that view. A lot of people need to have acceptance and have their feelings and beliefs reinforced. Photography started as a ‘toy’ for the rich, became a medium for artists to alter the world and their audience, for people to have an easier access to preservation. Sontag explores all areas of how photography can be used. She focused on the importance of photography and the evolution as well as the impact. The practical and the theory. The ongoing development of the medium.
Refrences:
Susan sontag, On photography, New York, Delta Books, 1977, pp3-24