To prepare for this blog assignment you need to do two things.
- Read and reflect on the assigned reading from Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida (reading posted to course e-portfolio site). While reading pay particular attention to his discussion of photographic “knowledge” and his concepts of studium and punctum.
- Visit the Photographs of Marcel Sternberger: Portraits of the 20th Century exhibit at the Miskin Gallery (Baruch College located at 135 E 22nd Street). The exhibit opens October 6, though there is an opening reception on October 5 from 6:00-8:00 pm, which you are encouraged to attend.
Once you’ve visited the exhibit reflect on Sternberger’s photographs in relation to the Barthes reading. Find one that you think helps you to better understand Barthes’s argument about photography, and especially his concepts of studium and punctum. What do these concepts mean? How do they operate in the photograph you’ve chosen? Alternatively, you could also argue that none of the photographs contain these two elements. If that is the case, explain what the concepts mean and why you don’t see these two qualities in these portraits. Either way, write up your analysis (400-500 words) and post to the blog site.
Then, head out into the world and try to take a photograph that incorporates these two elements.
Deadline for blog: Friday, October 14th at 5:00 pm
After the deadline, please comment on the reflection of two of your classmates and the photograph they have taken.
