Reading Assignment 2

1. What is the author’s thesis?
   

   The author's thesis proves that interpreting images does not necessarily mean that  

   the viewer has knowledge of the medium or the context. He also proves that the  

   viewer can also analyze the image in a factual perspective and then be more creative 

   interpretation when trying to connect with the image and the artist intent for the photo.

2. What examples does he use to support the thesis?

   The example he uses is an image called Dead Troops Talk which illustrates dead and wounded soldiers in battle. He goes in-depth with what the image actually portrays, making it more factual and descriptive, and then he changes to an interpretation which consist of more creative description and ideas.

3. In your own words, how does Barrett define interpretation?
   

   Barrett defines interpretation as the viewers' ability to connect to it based on their prior knowledge. The viewer has to be able to understand the context of the photo and artist as well as the time of which the work was done in order to understand what it represents and reveals itself to be. It allows the viewers to make a criticism within reason.

4. According to Barrett, why is interpretation important in criticism of photographs?

   Interpretation is important in criticism as it allows the viewers to fully grasp the importance and significance of the image. The criticism helps the photographer's vision become more concise and clear to the viewer and gives them the opportunity to be more creative in their thoughts. Barrett brings up the point that newspaper images are factual, and therefore do not require criticism; yet other photographs that can potentially depicts a more abstract life is free to full criticism.

   
   
5. In Chapter 3 Barrett gives examples of various interpretations from different “interpretive perspectives” and “interpretive strategies” - choose one that stood out, surprised you, or interested you in some way and discuss why.

   Johnathan Green's interpretation stood out to me, as I found it a bit different to my interpretation of the image.cGreen depicts her as "the word made flesh" which reminds me of biblical terminology describing God. I view Eleanor as a woman that is attempting to be confident and yet she is still wanting to be reclusive. It is a though she is trying to overcome her vulnerabilities and sharing them with the camera alone.

6. In your own words, what is/are the main point(s) the author is trying to make in the section “‘Right’ Interpretations”?

   Barrett point is that the "right" interpretation varies based on the artist and the critics. The interpretation the critics give can be different, some being better than other, and yet they are all equally valuable as they both represent similar and/or different viewpoints. Interpretations are based on the knowledge of the subject and it having meaning within the context. Criticism has to have reason in order for it to have meaning.

   
   
7. In your own words, what is/are the main point(s) the author is trying to make in the section “Interpretations and the Artist’s Intent”?
   

   Barrett is making it clear that the relationship between the interpretation of the viewers and critics in comparison to the artist's intended interpretation. Artists can sometimes have the intent to invoke one emotion and then critics will have a vary different reaction to the photo. Artist may also allow their photos to be lead through their subconscious so that their intent is a bit blurred and can allow themselves to interpret their own images. There are also times when the artist's interpretation influences the critic's and therefore that interpretation is solidified as factual.

8. Write about two other key points that you learned from this week’s reading.
   

   Other key points Barrett makes is that interpretation is meaningful to the viewer; it would be that the audience had a personal connection with the work. He also made it clear that having a "community of interpretations" is important because people within it are well informed. These people consist of art dealers, collectors, conservationist, etc. These people use interpretations to have a better understanding of the work.

9. Summarize - what is the author’s conclusion?
   
   

   The author want it clear that interpretations of images are different cased on a person's knowledge on the image, the context, and their means of connecting to it. The artist intent can be different based on if they want the audience to see something specific or if they want to explore their subconscious in order create their own interpretations as well. Critics come with various interpretations based on their understanding of the image and it is completely normal for them to have different and creative interpretations.