“A well-composed image will catch our attention because the eye finds a certain satisfaction in composure. But that is not enough. Good photographs are also disturbing, and inevitably remind us of what we have overlooked.” – John Rosenthal
Do you find these photographs disturbing; do they remind you?
(click image for larger view – recommended)
Leica M8, 35mm Summilux Asph
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmmmm…It appears Mr. Rosenthal seems to look at the picture as half-empty. If I were disturbed every time I looked at a fine image, I believe I would stop looking. But “looking” and “seeing” are different issues. I may look at an image, and not see it for its content. On the other hand, I may see more visually than does another individual. What often impresses me about good photography is the ability of the photographer to see something that I may have overlooked. He saw, I merely looked. Point of view is something that we all see differently, and that is why for some there is spice, and for others the mundane. If the aim of an image is to disturb, that is only the artist’s choice. The audience is larger in scope, and may see things differently. Though, if they percieve the goal is to disturb, they may simply look, and move on. To try to force one’s emotion continually is limiting oneself in scope. It is like a painter limiting himself to one color. Life has so much more to offer, and I choose a largely mixed palette.
Me thinks you protest too much. “…disturbing, and inevitably remind us of what we have overlooked.” carries no negative connotation for me. Sculpture “disturbs” the previously empty space. If our creations do not disturb a bit – they will be ignored like well camouflaged fauna. Good music and the bird’s song disturb the silence. I believe John Rosenthal intended to use the word in this way; to interrupt complacency; to cause one to take notice; to think and feel a bit about the creation.