“Instagram is custom-made for the art world: you get a quick flash of an image with virtually no text or explanation. There’s no need to read. It’s perfect for people with zero attention span, zero education and zero interest in learning about anything – perfect in other words, for the art collectors of today.”
-Adam Lindemann
Revisited Emily Gap yesterday before sunset. I discovered that photographs I took thirteen years ago can’t be shared with you, by request of the elders. Specifically ones of the indigenous paintings.
There were two motor bikes there with what we assumed was a professional photographer, based on the portable studio flash his assistant was carrying. Ambrosia had to tell them to leave the sacred gorge. No respect for the place let alone the peace of the other people there.
Us photographers can be a selfish and uncaring lot.
All in the name of art and getting the picture.
Why can’t we be more sensitive to the envionment, place, custodial owners and other people? It really isn’t very hard.
I do wonder why? For a half a second glance on Instagram? Where are we going?
We don’t have to follow the masses.
We can choose our own path. One that ethically makes us happy without external gratification.
Making art for yourself of things you love is the crux. It’s the most valuable piece of advice I can give.
Lawson, The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Photograph and text copyright © Len Metcalf 2019
