The
analysis of the temporal dimension of photographs in “Photography as Time
Travel” leads to my claim that photography is an uncanny version of time
travel. I am analyzing photography through philosophical language. This project
examines the ability of a photograph to stop time and motion while still
appearing differently through time. I study the notion that photographs tell a
story that can bridge the past, present, and future through the observation of
the radical contingency of the photograph.
The
aim of my project is not to measure the photograph to a past moment, but to
what it is now disclosing. A photograph is a double of the person and/or place
that is pictured and brought to the present. However, it is not the person or
place it was in the past. This doubling effect is perceived and analyzed
through photographs I have taken, which are the core of my project. My own photographic
work will support the essays I am writing. Each essay will have its
accompanying photograph or series of photographs. The essays and photographs
will be compiled into a photography book. In my work I am referencing the
writings of Roland Barthes, Plato, Martin Heidegger, and Sigmund Freud.
“Photography as Time Travel” was inspired from a combined passion of philosophy
and photography. It all started with two questions: “what is time?” and “can photography serve as time travel?” I have been working
on this project for over a year with Dr. Rachel Jones and Dr. Kurt Brandhorst
from the Philosophy Department as my mentors. Their support and work on this
project has kept it successfully evolving. All of the photographs for the
project are ready for the book and I am now working on my final essay.
I have learned the importance of discipline
and organization while engaging in this project. On a weekly basis I meet with
my mentors to discuss and review drafts of my writing. Editing is a huge part
of the process. I am also creating zines to be able to familiarize myself with
my photographs on paper and how they work with the text. I am doing this to be
able to create a creative book. Working on a project from its
genesis is pertinent to me because my long term goal is to pursue a doctorate
degree in philosophy.
I am very interested in the field of aesthetics and visual culture for my
future studies.
