Where's the fun?

[jmal]

In my constant search for photo books that really knock me out, I am more and more disappointed with the trends of the art photography world. It seems that everyone has a "project" or a "statement." When done well this can be quite good, but most of the time it seems like the idea comes before the work itself and I find the photos a bit uninspiring. So, does anyone have any suggestions for books in which the photographer seems to approach things more whimsically? Shooting things or people for the sheer fun of the moment? One of my favorites is Wim Wender's book Once. Sure, many of the photos may be "scouting" photos for movie sets, but it has a great feel to it. It seems to arise out of a genuine curiosity about the world, rather than a pretentious, preconceived attempt at art. And, the print quality is awful. It makes most school text seem well printed. I think this too says something about the work. If it stands up to poor reproductions in a small format, then there is definitely something inherently strong about the photos.

 

[Slixtiesix]

I always liked Barry Thornton´s style of writing

 

[Mike Crawford]

Agree with you jmal about 'Once.' A great book using text and photography. Had a quick look through my books for some fun and have only come up with two so far! 'The Animals' by Garry Winnogrand available again in reprint and Martin Parr's 'Bad Weather' which really should be reprinted!

 

[dpurdy]

My sox have been knocked off recently by the photography of one of my favorite painters, Cy Twombly.
"Photographs 1951-2007"

I have loved his paintings/drawings so much that in the 1990s I spent a long time trying to figure out how to be influenced by it. I was never successful. Now he has put this book out, I didn't even know he did photography, and has shown the same sensibility with photographic vision that he has as a painter.

Dennis

 

[arigram]

Art is a serious business! No fun allowed! Only suffering!

 

[Steve Smith]

I was told off by a Photo.Net moderator today as I posted a 'fun' response to a thread. Had my post removed and told I was barred from that particular forum.

I don't think I will be going there again!


Steve.

 

[jovo]

I do appreciate that your not specifically looking for "funny" work, but rather work that clearly has spirit and spontaneity. However, I've never had more fun with photographs than looking through just about anything by Elliott Erwitt.
Check out his books here: http://www.elliotterwitt.com/lang/en/index.html

 

[jmal]

Thanks for the replies. John, I love Erwitt, but I have many of his books already. I do agree with you though. He's a favorite. I guess I could have been more clear in my post. Essentially, I'm sick of the standard MFA/Fine Art stuff and really seek things from the heart, things with "spirit and spontaneity," as John says.

 

[photomc]

Check out Fredrick Evans, perhaps Eugene Atget or more current - Tillman Cranes Structures would be a good choice (at least IMHO). Another favorite of mine would be Vanishing Point by David Plowden.

 

[JBrunner]

Art is a serious business! No fun allowed! Only suffering!

"The really good stuff comes from pain. If you haven't got some pain, you had better get some."

 

[ishutteratthethought]

I totally agree Jason, just like a musician in my view. Some of the best music comes from pain and distress.
Steve

 

[dpurdy]

Humor comes from pain and distress.

I won't say I am absolutely sold on his point of view, but I once had a printing workshop with Jerry Ulesman, and his thought was that the most important thing with art is to keep your sense of humor.
Dennis

 

[jmal]

I am not against pain and suffering and I didn't mean to rule it out. I seriously doubt much of what passes for art these days comes from true pain and suffering. I really don't care what the source of the work is so long as it is genuine. I'm really tired of the old "I'm doing a series/project on..." followed by some contrived message or concept. I think I read a quote from Soth that intimated that many young photographers are seeking gallery support before they even have a body of work. I think this speaks to my feelings at the moment. The focus needs to be on something substantial first and only later does the other stuff follow.