Conclusion- draft 1

Overall, Phillip Toledano’s and Laia Abril’s work uses very similar styles of photography and they both convey similar messages in their final outcomes, although they are both referring to different topics. My question aimed to identify how both artists explore notions of change, fate and absence. Throughout my essay I have discussed my reasoning behind this, considering how the work may be interpreted in different ways, linking this to my own work. I mainly focus on how these artists explore change, fate and absence, providing only little evidence and discussion on how it may not be viewed as these ideas. I personally learnt that the way an image is interpreted is really down to the viewers ideas and concepts, so for some people they may not agree with the content of my essay but I am aware of this. Above all, photographers are able to inform viewers about social issues encouraging practical application. The public need to inform themselves and the community about issues such as eating disorders, which can be seen as a result of bully in Cammy’s case. This shows the public through a photographic approach, the affects of bullying, reinforcing the needs of policies in place to discourage bullying. This could be done through effective programmes, mostly within schools. Furthermore, by removing the opportunity for children and teenagers to bully, providing them with a stimulating environment, giving them the tools to deal with conflict appropriately. Although this will not fully eradicate bullying , however increasing the awareness of the problem and the effects will make people more aware of the damage which can be done. Similarly, when it comes to memory loss there are some negative lifestyle choices which can affect your memory at later life, by the public being aware of this also, gives individuals a decreased risk of these specific illness. These types of book can be extremely relate-able and comforting. From studying both Toledano’s and Abril’s projects, alongside creating my own, I have learnt the three concepts can create an overall theme and link together. Change and absence can be seen as a consequence of fate, something none of us can control. These changes and absences can bring us happiness but it can also result in our saddest moments, I believe both photographers have explored this factor clearly within their work. I have also attempted to show this in my own. The assumption fate is out of our control can not truly be a fact, just as the idea we make our own decisions leading us to our paths can not be proved. However, interpretation will play a significant role in your beliefs. This essay provides mine.

“Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is.”

— Anonymous

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2010/may/16/days-with-my-father

https://collectordaily.com/book-phillip-toledano-days-with-my-father/

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http://www.dayswithmyfather.com/ways-cope-memory-loss/

http://aphotoeditor.com/2011/01/20/phil-toledano-interview/

http://www.theartstory.org/movement-straight-photography.htm

https://www.destinsparks.com

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2010/apr/18/street-photography-privacy-surveillance

http://media.artic.edu/stieglitz/straight-photography/

http://www.laiaabril.com