I keep asking myself “What is wrong with fine art photography today?” I am seeing lackluster photographs with little originality that lack a “voice” and originality. They are mostly mundane and show little creativity on the part of the photographer. The only photos that spark my visual excitement were made many years ago. What is causing this image drought? Is it the inundation of the large quantity of mostly bland pictures that we face today? Is it poor photography education or simply a lack of dedication and direction? How much can be blamed on the curators and gallerists who control what is seen? Is there a fog of visual laziness hovering over the field of fine art photography? How long will it last?
It is likely, that in this age of digital interruption, photographers cannot concentrate for the long periods of time needed in the process of artistic pursuit which prevents deep brain thinking from occurring. I also believe social media has dampened visual acuity with the impersonal likes and thumbs up giving a false sense of importance. The New York Times has been highlighting portfolios of photos from photographers that an editor has been following on-line. At best they come across as beginning photographers with some potential and at worst they are individuals with a camera or camera phone who take snapshots.
I have to think much of the blame for the uninspired photo production lies with photographers. It does not appear that they are “putting in the work” and devoting enough time to photography. Inability to focus attention and a lack of concentration may be major contributors.
I am hoping this is only a temporary cycle and that there will be a photographic resurgence in the near future—a renaissance period. It will be up to a future generation of photographers, teachers, curators, critics and patrons to change what I see as a continued downward spiral into mediocrity for photography.
Sleeping Mind Photography 