Meanings

Directly connected to our lecture, the tutorial questions and readings this week were focused on the two famous Aboriginal photographers: Destiny Deacon and Ricky Maynard. While distinct in style, both photographers share a common purpose in using photographs as a political tool in expressing issues involving Aboriginal people and the history and experiences of the Aboriginal community as a whole. The questions, which were discussed in class, derived from this sense of knowledge, on whether one is able to appreciate or understand their photographs without knowing the story or context behind them.

Destiny Deacon: Over the Fence, Lambda print from Polaroid © Destiny Deacon

from Camille

Ricky Maynard, Broken Heart, 2005, gelatin silver print. © Ricky Maynard

from Stills Gallery

While having already been told the story behind the photographs and the purpose of the artists, almost everyone agreed that if they had no knowledge whatsoever, both photographs could be appreciated in their artistic sense. Even Destiny Deacon’s photos, which are made up of enlarged Polaroid photos and look candid, I believe that they do show enough of a sense of composure in the way the objects are placed – they were not just taken for the fun of it or without thought.

Finding a meaning of the photographs, though, poses a different challenge. In Destiny Deacon's photographs, I think we are able to get a sense of "racism" through the symbolism of the black doll and the eerie and disturbing atmosphere her photos evoke. However, it's direct meaning may still be unclear: while we may think that it talks about racism, our knowledge only skims the surface of its true meanings and political context behind it. On the other hand, Ricky Maynard's photos may seem to present a clearer reading simply from how the image presents a very direct and emotional depiction. The black and white photography together with his stance and the setting immediately evokes a sense of loneliness and sadness. Nevertheless, similar to Destiny Deacon's photo, our appreciation and our understanding extends only to the scope of our knowledge. 

Without knowing the context and the story, we don't know where Ricky Maynard is standing, what he is longing for over that horizon, what he is actually doing and we don't know either why Destiny Deacon uses black dolls and portray them in such ways. Although the titles of the photographs may help in narrowing the meaning, only when we know what Ricky Maynard and Destiny Deacon have gone through, what they are talking about exactly, what their purpose is, are we are able to truly understand the image but we also in truly appreciating the images. 

I think that having the knowledge only adds to the experience of exploring Aboriginal art and culture, where we can begin to feel the true emotions and the true struggles of Aboriginal people when we look at these photographs or other art. While I may never be able to feel and understand its significance in the same way as the artists, yesterday's discussion has really encouraged me in always expanding my knowledge and not let my knowledge limit my appreciation of Aboriginal art, or any other forms of art.