Graduate Student Reading Assignment and Discussion (Art 518/618)

Roland Barthes, smoking

Text: Liz Well: The Photography Reader

Read: Chapter 1; Roland Barthes, Extracts from Camera Lucida

Discussion Monday, 9/14. Wednesday 9/16 Discuss and turn in written responses to focus questions. 

Focus questions:

1. According to Barthes, what is the essence of photography as a medium? In other words, what makes it distinctive from other media, such as painting? 
2. What does Barthes mean by: "the referent adheres"?
3. From Barthes' (somewhat dramatic) perspective, how might the photographic portrait be considered a (metaphorical) assassination of the sitter?
4. What are studium and punctum, as Barthes presents them? How is this important when considering the various kinds of photography we face every day (vernacular, news, art, your own, etc.)
5. Why does the "Winter Garden" photograph emotionally satisfy Barthes, while the many others of his mother do not? In your answer please discuss in relation to Barthes' notions of "the almost"/simulacrum created by the photograph, as well as studium/punctum
6. How do some of these ideas pertain to your own work?