From: Judy Seigel (jseigel@panix.com)
Date: 04/17/00-09:13:44 PM Z
I don't know how this thread got onto the alt-photo list -- it's been out
of control on the history list, where a couple of REALLY patronising
fellas seemed to be saying it's OK for us to know photo history but the
students shouldn't bother their pretty little heads about it. So I take
this opportunity to say, thank you Bob... and to repeat a few of his lines
up front, because they say it absolutely & succinctly:
======================
quote:
> Often I see people stuck in modes, whether they are alt or "factory"
> photography, thinking that they are on to something new when it has been
> done...and done...and often done better.
> I am not saying we should obsess on the past but some knowledge of
the
> workers before us can help us draw a line (however arabesque) from them
> through our present culture (which, as you most aptly stated,
necessitates a
> consciousness of contemporary culture and work) and into new directions
and
> areas for exploration.
=================================
And here's Bob's entire ....
> DEAR JACK & LIST,
> While I agree that some forms of photographic education can inhibit
> breadth of exploration I believe that a good study of background, done with
> an open minded teacher and open minded students (big "ifs" here) can often
> help the student proceed more quickly through the evolutionary re-invention
> of the wheel and proceed in to new realms more quickly with a definite sense
> that they are clearly working on something new, even in an older medium.
> Often I seen people stuck in modes, whether they are alt or "factory"
> photography, thinking that they are on to something new when it has been
> done...and done...and often done better.
> I am not saying we should obsess on the past but some knowledge of the
> workers before us can help us draw a line (however arabesque) from them
> through our present culture (which, as you most aptly stated, necessitates a
> consciousness of contemporary culture and work) and into new directions and
> areas for exploration.
> I have never been able to accept the, "You don't need to know that"
> philosophy. I am incurable curious. I know what it did to the cat but
> don't forget the other half, "Satisfaction brought him back!"
> CHEERS!
> BOB KISS
>
>
>
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