I have always been a staunch advocate of the idea that photographs should speak for themselves. I believed that the best approach was to allow each viewer to interpret the image in their own way, without external influences. In fact, in my book Ping Pong, I simply provided the location and date for each of the 80 photos, without adding titles or descriptions.
However, a series of exhibitions in Hong Kong radically transformed my perspective. I observed that many visitors walked through the gallery with the same indifference one might have while passing through the detergent aisle in a supermarket: quickly and without paying attention. This led me to question why they weren't stopping to contemplate my works more deeply.
The answer was revealing: most people do not have a deep knowledge of photography like those of us who are dedicated to this art. They do not see the images through the same trained eyes. It is not their fault, but my responsibility for not offering them a guide that introduces them to the work.
I realized that if I provided that guide, visitors would spend more time in front of each photo, trying to understand and connect with the scene. This not only enriches their experience but also increases the chances of appreciation and, why not, a future sale.
How to Guide the Spectators?
Knowing the details and context behind each capture has allowed me to better guide the viewer through the visual narrative. I started incorporating titles and quotes from famous photographers that complement and expand the perspective of each image.
For example, consider a photo I took in Seoul in July 2018. I could simply mention the date and place, or I could give it an evocative title like "The Boy Who Smoked a Cigarette Wherever the Hell He Wanted." This title not only grabs attention but also prepares the viewer to discover crucial elements in the image, such as the contrast between the young smoker and the trash beside him—a detail many might overlook.
The Importance of Visual Narration
Although as a consumer and professional in photography I do not need titles to "read" an image, I have learned that most people greatly benefit from this approach. Not everyone has the skill to interpret visual elements and understand the story behind each photo without guidance.
Guiding the viewers does not mean limiting their interpretation but opening a door so they can see what I saw at the moment of capture. It’s about facilitating a dialogue between the image and the observer.
I invite everyone to rediscover photography not only as a form of visual art but as a narrative that, when presented correctly, can be profoundly moving and meaningful.
Best regards,
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