weekly selife 1

according to mae weem's picture toke

selife with long day 

quote 1

susan 

"To photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed. It means putting oneself into a certain relation to the world that feels like knowledge -- and, therefore, like power."

Response: The statement "To photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed. It means putting oneself into a certain relation to the world that feels like knowledge -- and, therefore, like power" is a profound reflection on the act of photography and its implications.

 

Appropriation of the Subject: When you take a photograph, you are essentially capturing and appropriating a specific moment or subject in the world. This act of selecting what to photograph is itself a form of appropriation, as you are choosing what aspects of reality to highlight and present to others.

 

 

Creating a Relationship with the World: Photography involves a unique interaction with the world. It requires the photographer to frame and compose the scene, making choices about what to include and exclude from the frame. This process establishes a particular relationship between the photographer and the subject, as well as the photographer and the world at large.

 

 

Knowledge and Power: The act of photographing is often associated with gaining knowledge. By selecting and capturing a subject, the photographer gains insight into that subject's existence, context, and significance. This knowledge can empower the photographer by giving them a sense of control and understanding over the world they are documenting.

 

 

Representation and Interpretation: Photography is not just about recording what's in front of the lens; it also involves interpretation. The way a subject is framed, lit, and presented can significantly influence how it is perceived by viewers. This interpretation can shape public perception and understanding of the subject, contributing to the idea of photography as a form of power.

 

 

Ethical Considerations: The statement also touches on the ethical dimensions of photography. The power to represent and interpret the world through photography comes with responsibilities. Photographers can shape narratives and influence opinions, which raises questions about the ethical use of this power.

 

In essence, the statement underscores the idea that photography is not a neutral or passive act but an active and potentially powerful means of engaging with and understanding the world. It acknowledges the role of photographers as not just documentarians but as creators of meaning and knowledge, highlighting the complex interplay between image-making, perception, and power.

quote 2

New York 

"A 2006 Rome Prize from the American Academy made possible a line of work called 'Roaming,' challenging the idea that an African-American artist couldn’t have international resonance: Looking at Weems’s ghostly alter ego dressed in black outside historic sites in the Italian capital, one wonders who could possibly better understand the architectures of power."

Response: statement you provided highlights the significance of the 2006 Rome Prize awarded to an African-American artist, likely Carrie Mae Weems, and the subsequent body of work known as 'Roaming.' This work challenges the preconceived notion that African-American artists cannot have international resonance and explores themes related to power and identity.

The reference to Weems's "ghostly alter ego dressed in black outside historic sites in the Italian capital" suggests a powerful and thought-provoking artistic approach. By placing her alter ego in these historic and symbolically charged locations, Weems seems to be making a statement about the complex interplay between history, power, and race. The use of the term "ghostly alter ego" may allude to the idea of the artist haunting or revisiting these sites, prompting viewers to reconsider their historical and contemporary significance.

The statement also raises questions about who can truly understand the architectures of power. In this context, it suggests that Weems, through her art, offers a unique perspective on power dynamics, history, and identity. The fact that she, as an African-American artist, is engaging with these themes in an international context challenges stereotypes and limitations placed on artists of color.

Overall, this statement underscores the idea that art can transcend boundaries and challenge established narratives, allowing artists like Carrie Mae Weems to explore complex themes and assert their international relevance. It encourages viewers to reevaluate their assumptions about the potential of African-American artists to engage with and comment on global issues.

quote 3

Mae weem’s

This woman can stand in for me and for you; she can stand in for the audience, she leads you into history. She’s a witness and a guide,” Weems told fellow photographer Dawoud Bey in a discussion for Bomb magazine in 2009. “Carrying a tremendous burden, she is a Black woman leading me through the trauma of history. I think it’s very important that as a Black woman she’s engaged with the world around her; she’s engaged with history, she’s engaged with looking, with being. She’s a guide into circumstances seldom seen.”

 

 

Response: quote from Carrie Mae Weems highlights the powerful and multifaceted role of the "muse" figure in her work and its broader significance in the context of history, identity, and representation. Weems sees this figure as a symbol that transcends individual identity, representing not only herself but also the audience, guiding them through the complex narratives of history and personal experiences. The notion that she carries a "tremendous burden" as a Black woman navigating the trauma of history emphasizes the weight of historical and societal injustices that her work addresses. It underscores the importance of engaging with history and the world around us, as well as the act of looking and being, as essential components of understanding and confronting the often unseen circumstances and perspectives in society. Carrie Mae Weems' work serves as a powerful testament to the capacity of art to provoke thought, reflection, and dialogue on these critical issues.