Over at NYT, Anna Altman looks at the huge response generated by the display of Brenda Ann Kenneally's Troy photos on Slate. Much of the reaction was harsh. Altman talked with Kenneally and Slate's editor, touching on topics of documentary, context, exploitation, and living on social media. [NYT] (Thanks, E)
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Comments
I good local report on this: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Churchill-An-unflattering-portrait-of-poverty-in-5649292.php
... said Jessica R W on Jul 28, 2014 at 2:44 PM | link
And yet, he is missing the point, especially when he says: "Let's be honest. How many of us, if there was someone documenting our every move, wouldn't be embarrassed by some of the images? [...] What if a photographer shot me slumped on the couch late at night eating ice cream?".
These photos were *not* candid. They were not "capturing the moment", per se. They were posed. The subjects were looking straight at the camera, perfectly aware of the photographer, and in control of whether or not they wanted to be part of the shot. They were, in a way, staged.
And the irony is that the TU photos accompanying Churchill's post are like that too. They are not unflattering -- they are staged. The first one, comically so.
... said -S on Jul 28, 2014 at 4:20 PM | link
I think part of the outrage is a manifestation of the guilt felt by the crowd that refuses to recognize any part of Troy that isn't glossy, groomed, or hipsterfied or threatens that image. I love Troy. I've invested in Troy. But I'm not blind that there is a caste system in Troy.
There is nothing candid about the photographs. This project is carefully crafted portraiture, not candid documentary.
... said CAOD on Jul 29, 2014 at 12:44 PM | link
Besides the immediate downtown and some very small pockets of neighborhoods on the hill, Troy is still a disaster.
There's a definite disparity between the have and have nots and the haves are so drunk on their expensive wine and "luxury New York City style apartments" they are oblivious to what's going on in the rest of the city.
... said Cyril on Jul 30, 2014 at 9:24 AM | link