Photography and The Search for Lost Time:
Three Approaches to time in contemporary photography through selected works by Tokihiro Sato, Oscar Muñoz and Idris Khan
Dissertation for the MA Photography: Contemporary and Historical Programme, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London
Presented at:
PhotoIreland Festival 2011
Off The Shelf Talks
Read the review by Hugh McCabe ->more
Journeys Across Media 2012
Time Tells: Temporal Excavations in Film, Theatre and Television
University of Reading,Thursday 19 April 2012
Abstract:
This dissertation sets to explore an understanding of the relationship of photography and time, through selected works by three contemporary artists: Tokihiro Sato from Japan, Oscar Muñoz from Colombia and Idris Khan from Britain. My interest in these artists has to do with a notion of duration in photography that challenges the medium’s canons and conventions. Through the analysis of these artists’ works, this dissertation sets to put forth an alternative understanding of photography and its representation of time.
These artists belong to different generations and nationalities, but their work has evident visual and discursive connections. The underlying aim of this dissertation is to explore the theme of time and duration in a wider, more global perspective, choosing examples from distant and diverse contexts. The work by the mentioned artists makes one think of time as transitory and fluid, and consequently of photography not as a tool for dissection, but for contemplation and even meditation.
Contents:
Introduction Thinking about Photography and Lost Time
Chapter 1 Sugar Dissolving in a Glass of Water: Henri Bergson, Duration and Photography
Chapter 2 On Breathing: An approach to Time in selected works by Tokihiro Sato
Chapter 3 Time and the unstable essence of Photography: An approach to Time in selected works by Oscar Muñoz
Chapter 4 Time as Palimpsest: Idris Khan’s Every… Bernd & Hilla Becher Spherical Type Gasholder
Conclusion: Further Considerations about Photography and Lost Time
Appendices I. Written interview with Tokihiro Sato, October 2010