The Growing Pressure to Explain Images

Contemporary photography rarely appears alone.

Images are surrounded by captions, context, intentions, personal stories, political positions, technical details and interpretive guidance. Before viewers have had time to encounter a photograph, they are often told what it means, why it was made and how it should be understood.

This habit is understandable. Explanation promises accessibility. It reduces uncertainty and gives an image a clear place within a narrative. It can also make photography easier to publish, discuss and categorise.

But explanation is not always clarification.

Continue reading “Why Some Photographs Should Remain Unexplained” →