Writing Challenge #2

On-Topic Research (Photography Not Being Art)

In Ruqeyeh and Jenika’s articles, both authors tackle the question about photography being an art form. Jenika’s article takes a more libertarian approach to the topic, while Ruqeyeh’s takes a more firm approach. According to Jenika’s article “Photography Isn’t Art.” “The problem, of course, is that “art” is a valuable category, but there are no clear yellow-and-black stripes that stand out to say “this is art.” This is a strong argument because it’s simply true. Art is meant to be a form of self-expression regardless of the medium. There is no one and nothing that can really define art being Art. On the other hand, Ruqeyeh’s article “Why Photography Isn’t Art” argues that for art to be considered Art has to focus on representation. “A painting is art because of how it represents — how it communicates and transmits ideas […] That is the reason why photography isn’t art.” I completely agree that art should communicate and transmit ideas, but I also completely disagree that all photography doesn’t do that. Sure that some photography is performed under a more documentarian style, and in that case I agree, but wouldn’t the most hyper realistic painting of a swan convey that same documentarian feeling? Once again, medium is just medium; it is merely a tool to express anything the artist desires to express.