Module 3, Post 2

Much of what Ginsberg has to state about the faustian nature of using media for self-representation is fascinating. It’s something that other philosophers have alluded to, though not in quite such devilish language.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1525/can.1991.6.1.02a00040/abstract

If you get a chance to read this article, and then try to understand Flusser’s “Technical image” and the science behind it and Van Gerwen’s “Abstract Image” in light of this “Faustian” contract, you’ll see how tricky photography can be when it comes to self-representation.

Here’s a little discussion on Flusser:

http://mandptheory.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/vilem-flusser-the-technical-image/

I think this is where living out cultural obligations can help to fend off the reinterpretation of images. I say this because an image is an object, and like any object, it can be reinterpreted if it’s not lived out/used. I think this goes back to the notion that just because modern society deconstructs everything, doesn’t mean we need to stop living out our moral/ethical and social responsibilities to our communities/beliefs.