"There were and there are infinitely many things on Earth. All individualities are different, they all strive for the different, everybody has various opinions, and we all look differently. Everything that exists is distinct from each other. This is what I adore – these are diversity, uniqueness of a single person and importance of his life. I see something that seems to be wonderful; I see the divinity of all ordinary things…” These words are from the book Revelations by Diane Arbus (1923-1971), the essence of which was originally said by Plato (my sincere apology to you for the free translation of the excerpt).
The quotation seemed to have become the credo of Diane Arbus’s professional life. She was claimed the most original and influential photographer of the 20th century. Her stylish snapshots stick in memory like nothing else, and they represent the utmost honesty in the portrait genre. Diane Arbus firstly tried herself as a stylist, and then she gained laudable reputation in the world of fashion, advertisement and photography.
Her pictures don’t leave anyone untouched. One is moved by the exposure of the models’ emotions and peculiarities. Some photos are outrageously frank, even indecent, but nevertheless, we can’t stand looking at them idly.
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Diane Arbus used to say: "Photography is a mystery about mystery. The more it tells you, the less you know”. That’s true; this thought haunts me every time I see her works. And you? Anything of the kind? Please, visit this website and have a look at the whole gallery of this master’s pictures: http://diane-arbus-photography.com/index.html
I've visited the site and seen Diane's work. You know, almost all of them made me depressed. Some of them are disgusting for me. But still I should say that some of the works are interesting.
I'm bewildered at the fact how differently people can perceive the same things, because none of the pictures seemed to me dim or gloomy... "differently"... isn't that the idea of Diane's works?
Thanks Jane!!! All these photos are amazing, very smart and effective. These pictures are full of different emotions that's why I find it hard to explain what I see. Happiness…sadness…energy… confusion… provocation all at once.
Totally agree with you. This mixture of various emotions and attitudes makes one feel so small, so uncovered, and at the same time one has a strong belief in the reality of miracles.
Hmm... It's difficult to formulate. Following your advice, I've just visited the site. May be, I'm too under impression now and I should wait till my thoughts will be brought in order. But I'd like to share my opinion now, when the emotions are still vivid. You are looking at the photo... You understand that what is represented on it is... aesthetically unacceptable, even repulsive. But you can't take your eyes from it. It attracts. It petrifies. It astounds. You are thunderstruck, puzzled, astonished, confused, perplexed. You are just looking at the photo... and begin to understand...
You are lucky, I confess, as you UNDERSTAND at least. As for me, I have no idea what feelings I pass through, I just became dumb and emotionless. Exactly, ".. the less you know..." It gives me the sense that I don't understand people at all, the life itself is inconceivable at such moments. Some pics make me think that they shouldn't have been taken, they reveal something that mustn't be shown to others, I mean, their message, their intention. In this respect, I tend to consider Diane Arbus a bad fairy.
