Sorry i offended some "art" people.
i have had many exhibitions and done much work, for money and glory. i have taught photography for a government sponsored site towards a new country and democracy. i have lectured at a number of institutions., colleges and schools plus workshops. I taught about "seeing" images but was advised that i should stick to technical..makes for better employees.i told the students to study and research the history of photography AND Art. Not knowing the past,"they would re-invent the wheel".
i am tired of seeing mundane work addressed like something it is not! It is a few pictures of a campsite at nite! i'd rather have seen some photographer win, for capturing the "Spirit of Youth" by snapping A McDonald's Birthday party or two with a Holga.
Politeness was not needed here. The award should be for something really important! Look at the news headlines. Millions wiped out financially by corrupt money people backed by governments. "Cutting" back another catch phrase, with diminished taxes and of course services. These are important issues. Not a trailer park of those who have an aluminum tank.We never see the inhabitents!They could be Martians.
Flickr, Tumblr etc., all one can do is "like". Most pix fall into some sort of category and many bodies of work are truly remarkable!
The Art Colleges and include the photographic ones are geared to producing workers for corporations. A University degree used to mean a learning process that include a Liberal Arts program. Now it's all about business. Art dies!
We are the custodians of an art form. Defend it from being mundane and boring! A camera can be a great tool for taking note and making a change. Lets begin by telling the ones who awarded the prize, that it is a poor choice!
I see some of you like the series. i am pleased for you. i thought the Oscar Barnack Prize was awarded for outstanding work.
On these grounds HCB, Reza, Salgado would not make it the entry form.
