This week's symposium was on the topic of digital filmmaking and photography. It was not quite as impactful as many of the other presentations, primarily due to the speakers' heavy focus on the incorporation of political meaning in this form of art. I feel that film and photography have far more to contribute to the world than rehashing the same sentiments that have always been present. These are extremely rich and powerful mediums that can convey nearly any concept to their viewer, yet people frequently act under the assumption that creations with political imagery or double meaning carry more weight than pieces that simply evoke raw emotion in their viewer. Must a statement on the government or war or the environment always be made for modern art in these fields to succeed? I certainly hope not.
This is not to say however that I did not find some aspects of the presentation interesting. For instance, I enjoyed seeing the unusual works of Simon Roberts, a photographer who focuses in powerful portraits that tell compelling narratives strictly through the details and expressions of his models. His strong and emotional work derives from a place of universal interest: people. This makes it immediately approachable and intriguing without the guise of political significance. It stands alone and acts upon the viewer without need of explanation. This is the type of work I wish to create.
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