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Photography Valuations

Since its creation in 1934, artists and scientists have debated the artistic dimensions of photography: is photography an art form or a technique, where does it fit within the art world? Prior to 1960 photography was primarily seen as an informational and observational medium however with the proliferation of television in the 60s, providing the public with an alternative informational source, photography gradually became a new form of authentic artistic expression, a way of expressing an idea, a window for emotions, a poster to relay a message.

The artistic interest in photography would intensify even more when the abstract movement gradually reached it limit and when a new artistic trend emerged: the new realism. And yet, it is only in 1972, thanks to the Documenta 5 exhibition by Kassel, that photography would be recognized by all as an art form in its own right. With the passage of time and the modernisation and accessibility of cameras, a distinct line between artistic photography and classical photography will draw on itself.

A photo reflects an artistic vision under which is often concealed a great photographical technique, but it is also an art form in which chance, a capturing of a fleeting moment, whether it be beautiful or unique, can sometimes be its strongest element. A photo also wants to draw attention to one element of our world, be it banal or extraordinary. It is this artistic sensitivity coupled with a great mastery of technique that form the reputation of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century: Diane Arbus, Robert Mapplethorpe, Jeff Well…

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