Reflections on Windows
In 1978 John Szarkowski curated the now famous exhibition Mirrors and Windows: American Photography Since 1960 at
the Museum of Modern Art. This groundbreaking show posed the question
"Is photography a window through which we see the world or is it a
reflection of the world in which we live?"
In the 35 years since there
has been an explosive expansion of photography, especially in the last
decade with the advances made in digital technology. Digital cameras are
now an integral part of our daily lives documenting the mundane as well
as the newsworthy; high art as well as kitsch. This abundance of
imagery and our immediate access to it makes Szarkowski's question even
more relevant today.
Through the window of photography we peer into the daily lives of people around the globe - from iPhone photos showing the horrors of war to Instagram images of last night's tacos. More than a reflection, photography is increasingly a key element driving social change. It is a mirror and a window. And perhaps a door.
Image caption: Tim Nighswander, Reflections on Windows, iPhone photo, Photo by: Tim Nighswander/IMAGING4ART © 2013
