Photography’s highest function has always been how it is able to present information visually, comparing to other media. The initial feature of this aesthetic and journalistic media, back in the time when the camera is first invented, was that it delivers information independently and that it explains for itself.
In a time like today, everyone is able to manipulate photographs with some basic knowledge and equipment. Indeed, technology allows artists to explore an artist aspect that camera couldn’t demonstrate. Surreal artists tried to manipulate their photograph afterward to convey the overlapping of dreams and reality, to arouse human senses, and explore the possibilities that hide in different mental states. Taking the artist I appreciate as examples, the artist Kang Hee Kim, jumped out of the confinement of reality and combine the ordinary of streets view with other unusual elements. Similar with the photos of Karen Khachaturov, whose grandfather was diagnosed with certain cancer. She tried to create hopeful scenes that would overcome the depression of cancer. She, again, explores the extent of scenes between real life and dreams.
Overall, photography satisfies human need- the need to record and to carry information, the need to express emotions, the need to demonstrate a scene or atmosphere- in different ways. It is for the viewer to judge if the photos (whether if it is manipulated or not), should be appreciated and spread to a greater amount of audiences.
Kang Hee Kim
Karen Khachaturov