Art, life, and politics. I don't know how they should go together (obviously I'm speaking for me, I do not make these sorts of judgments for others
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What came to mind when I read this post is a story I saw on CBS Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago. They were marking the anniversary of the student uprising in Tiannemen Square and were discussing the image of the student standing in front of the tankers, hand outstretched. First, there was the story of the journalist who noted that he was actually just trying to capture the immensity of the invasion when this guy stepped in and "ruined" his photo. Then, they jumped to a Chinese man who was not involved in the protests but who was deeply influenced by them. He did a painting based on the photograph that has become so symbolic of China's struggle with Democracy. And yet, most Chinese people, because of censorship, have never seen the original photograph the artist is adapting.
As many have said here more eloquently than me, sometimes looking at a photograph can be an aesthetic and tangible way to capture the human moment. I used to stare for long, long minutes at the photos of JFK's assassination just because so much happened in those moments, and the stark reality was captured in black-and-white. Did I think those photos were beautiful? Can't really say that. But they were powerful and masterful and of the moment.
As many have said here more eloquently than me, sometimes looking at a photograph can be an aesthetic and tangible way to capture the human moment. I used to stare for long, long minutes at the photos of JFK's assassination just because so much happened in those moments, and the stark reality was captured in black-and-white. Did I think those photos were beautiful? Can't really say that. But they were powerful and masterful and of the moment.
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