I’m a little concerned that there seems to be no distinction being made between aesthetically ugly subjects (Arbus) and morally “ugly” ones (Hine and ok sometimes Arbus too). Of course, the fact that both can be labeled as forms of ugliness suggests that on some emotional level we relate the two. Still, I think its an important (if slippery) distinction.

I also think that it’s frighteningly easy to make a glib ‘Piss Christ’ or “Madonna and Child” knockoff, provoke a big controversy, and establish a spotlighted ‘artistic’ career without ever making art which is insightful or even very good

Agreed, but I think this happens far less often than you seem to believe. Perhaps such work receives a disproportionate share of attention in the tabloid media (and understandably so). But so what? And while these may be overused as models, I wouldn’t want to discourage thoughtful young artists from following in their footsteps (or Arbus’, or Goya’s, although further distinctions need to be made between these artists).

I’m a little concerned that there seems to be no distinction being made between aesthetically ugly subjects (Arbus) and morally “ugly” ones (Hine and ok sometimes Arbus too). Of course, the fact that both can be labeled as forms of ugliness suggests that on some emotional level we relate the two. Still, I think its an important (if slippery) distinction.

I also think that it’s frighteningly easy to make a glib ‘Piss Christ’ or “Madonna and Child” knockoff, provoke a big controversy, and establish a spotlighted ‘artistic’ career without ever making art which is insightful or even very good

Agreed, but I think this happens far less often than you seem to believe. Perhaps such work receives a disproportionate share of attention in the tabloid media (and understandably so). But so what? And while these may be overused as models, I wouldn’t want to thoughtful discourage young artists from following in their footsteps (or Arbus’, or Goya’s, although further distinctions need to be made between these artists).

David, sorry I should have checked that the Salgado link was more than a book ad. There is lots on the web though. His bio, care of Unicef gives a quick intro and his book titles.

The site that I directed you to is mostly an equipment site, but there are articles of wider interest. It is one of the big hitters in terms of audience (million per month range), and influential.

The site that I directed you to is mostly an equipment site, but there are articles of wider interest. It is one of the big hitters in terms of audience (million per month range), and influential.

Interesting that we have such different reactions to Burtynsky. I’m totally knocked out by his work. I guess that’s why there are so many differnt flavors of jellybeans :)

If you enjoyed the shipbreaking photos then you might find this page, which contains other information about the location, interesting.

In particular, follow the link about Salgado. Now, there truly is an artist who can make beauty from anything. Human misery notwithstanding.

I find that the Burtynsky photos tend towards the pretty. The web presentation doesn’t do them any favours – they probably need to be seen much larger – but most of his work doesn’t create a reaction in me at all.