Photography and Beauty

For many photographers, the goal of creating an image is to produce something of beauty. To have a ‘photographer’s eye’ is to be able to spot and capture a beautiful image for others to admire. But what about artists who set out to subvert the standard definitions of beauty? Many contemporary photographers challenge traditional notions of aesthetics by intentionally focusing on subjects which others may find unappealing, unattractive or even grotesque. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, can we still find it in these images? And what are the moral implications of beautifying imagery of social/political issues such as natural disasters, poverty and violence? What is it that makes a photograph beautiful?This session will be moderated by Joan Lillian Wilson and soJin Chun. Join us in conversation!