Assignment-Symbol

“Photographers are forever faced with the problem of portraying something they can see in their minds but can’t readily photograph.”
-John Szarkowski

Make 40 photographs that could be used to describe or represent something that is not in the frame. You will only turn-in/print/submit 6-8 of these images but I will ask you to create a proof print of all of the pictures so that I can have some idea of your vision for the project.

What are the common symbols in our society or in your lives? Clocks represent time, the American flag may represent freedom, a wrinkled hand may symbolize aging. What does the dawning of a sunny day usually mean in a story?

Before going out to photograph, you might choose some subjects to describe as a starting point.

Hints:
Get closer, have a detail of something represent the whole
Think of objects or talismans in people’s lives that may symbolize their personal beliefs

Bring your images on Monday. You will have some work time in class but you might think about beginning the editing process before then.

Writing
Choose a photograph on exhibit at the Henry or Jacob Lawrence Gallery. Fill a single sheet of paper with as much as you can think about regarding that photograph. You may approach this writing in any way you see fit. You may describe, evaluate, judge, rant, and ramble. Your writing, however confused, should always return to the work of art as reference point. Consider today's reading as a starting point for your own beginnings of art criticism. You will turn this hand-written paper in on Monday.