A Universe Within by Al DaValle
From A Universe Within by Al DaValle
From LensWork Extended #89
© 2010 Al DaValle. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the photographer.
Commentary
What the heck is it? This is the universal question when looking at abstracts. A thing? A tuft of hair? A seed pod? In fact, this photograph shows none of those things — nor is it anything you could probably guess no matter how long you tried. Before I give the answer (for those of you who didn't see this portfolio when we published it), I want to focus our attention on the question rather than the answer.
Why the question? Well, the instant I give you the answer as to what it is that DaValle has photographed, the photograph will become disempowered. You will stop looking and searching. You will move on. "Got it. Next." It's human nature, a part of our natural mental process described in detail by Gestalt psychology. Knowledge creates closure. This is important for us image makers to understand.
Think of how many images come to our brains every day. They bombard us with incredible rapidity. If we had to stop and analyze each one, we would be quickly overwhelmed. Instead, we've developed a sort of defense mechanism that instantaneously, unconsciously handles the task for us. We classify. We drop the image into a mental box where we can forget about it and move on.
The problem with this is that such "handling" of images also means they are dismissed — and therefore disempowered. They are no longer a means toward gaining knowledge. Their potential for enlightening us evaporates. If, however, the image remains a mystery — why, what, how, when — it motivates us to explore and stretch our imagination. In my way of thinking, this is where art has meaning — in its ability to stretch our imagination and cause us to think more critically about our world and the human condition.
So, as art makers we need to be careful about slamming the doors of perception shut by explaining too much, too soon. Shall I tell you what DaValle has photographed? Perhaps not. Perhaps I'll let you continue to ponder and explore on your own, really look at the image, and stretch your imagination.
The portfolio can be seen in its entirety in our back issues — print (while still available) and our PDFs for computer, iPad, Android, and other devices. Plus, bonus audio commentary about this image is available to members of LensWork Online.
Discussion
Add your comments and observations to the discussion by using the "Comments" link at the bottom of this post.
ooh, ooh....I know what it is, Mr. Jensen.
Posted by: Chuck Kimmerle | 12/21/2011 at 01:05 PM
One of the most liberating things a photographer can realize, is that a photograph does not have to be a document. It doesn't have to be about whats in front of you, even if that is what you're photographing. A photograph of a toaster is not about a toaster, when it's about shiny, smooth, curve, hard. A subject can have no meaning, just surface. Referring to nothing. An abstraction. Or, a toaster is not a toaster when it means - domestic labor, or a fire is about to happen, or times were simpler in the old days. A toaster can be a symbol, an analogy, allegory, archetype, referring to anything but, itself.
The key to using this broader definition of Photography is to see it as a team sport. You, the Artist, have a roll to play , but, so does the viewer. You can't pass the ball and catch it too. When you see that your art interacts with the mind of the viewers, it becomes hard to settle for "this is me on my vacation", photography. I find the most exciting work I do is when I provoke a viewer to explore their own world. Their own mind.
To that end, we make our photographs, beautiful. Not as loyalty to some Romantic ideals of the past, but, simply because, beauty convinces. It's what nature uses to convince us. "Look at this beautiful place." "I've left food and water for you here."
"Look at this beautiful body." "A good mate for you."Listen to the beautiful words." "Truth." Here is a work of Art worth looking at." "Contemplate." "Be changed." Beauty, like art, is irresistible, it's in our DNA.
Isn't that why you've come to this place?
Posted by: Chris Raecker | 12/21/2011 at 02:11 PM
As noted a long time ago, there are only two types of photographs. Who is it or what is it.
Posted by: Don Bryant | 12/21/2011 at 05:13 PM