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Some criticism: How does this create something new from the dancing? Why wouldn't I rather just be there? Why do I need you to photograph this for me when I can just go see dance in person? Does the photography not, in fact, *diminish* the original work of dance? Is it possible that the silhouetting actually removes more mystery than would be added by a clearer description?
ReplyDeleteWhere is the surprise? What comes from this that isn't exactly the idea you had in your head when you started? If it's exactly how you thought of it at the start, then it's not worth doing.
Most importantly, how is this going to come anywhere near to breaking my heart, reminding me of what it's like to be betrayed, not be betrayed, or to have my dog run away from me?
The beauty of capturing the silhouette can pause a moment during the dance and enable the viewer to examine certain details of the dancer's pose that may not be visible during a performance, thereby enhancing the viewer's appreciation of how these performances are sculpted down to the last detail.
ReplyDeleteYes, removing time is a thing that photography can do, but that in itself isn't transcendent. Using photography as a pause button is a pretty unsophisticated use of an amazing medium.
ReplyDeleteI can 'examine' details of a pose whether the image is in silhouette or not, as long as there's suitable contrast. How does the silhouette "enhance my appreciation?" Is that a thing we want art to do? Do we call up our friends and say, "man, I thought I appreciated dance, but I went to the art museum and my appreciation was so enhanced I nearly broke down in tears!"
Are these the poses a dancer would hold if she/he could? Do I need this photographer to give me these images? How is this more "sculpted to the last detail" than Muybridge's horses?
In my opinion, these examples don't come close to the drama encapsulated in Kara Walker's silhouettes.