ART PHOTOGRAPHY, TWO SIDES OF A COIN THAT COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER

Photography is part of the long history of human civilization. From its initial invention, to the development of the printing method, it is a record of the history of photography itself. Looking at its development to date, photography is often understood as part of art. But what exactly is the concept between the art of photography and art photography?

Mahacaraka Academia, in collaboration with the Photography Study Program (Prodi), Faculty of Recording Media Arts (FSMR), Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Yogyakarta, held an online seminar themed "The Art of Art Photography" by presenting Prof. Drs. Soeprapto Soedjono, M.F.A., Ph.D., as a guest speaker on July 25, 2020. This 34th episode of Mahacaraka Academia discusses photography as part of art and art in general, which of course is also part of photography.

In his presentation, Prof. Drs. Soeprapto Soedjono, M.F.A., Ph.D., or commonly called Prof. SS, said that the benchmark of art photography is not only on its technical aspects and visual appearance, but also includes the discourse carried by the artist or photographer. Photography is unique because it combines various elements that are not limited to the pure documentation process. As was done by Man Ray, David La Caphelle, Andy Warhol, Jean Michael Basquiat, Philips Halsman, Edward Weston and others.

The benchmark of art photography today can also be observed from the presence of a work that has a value equivalent to other works of art such as paintings and sculptures. The value can also be viewed from an economic perspective. Such as Andreas Gursky's photo work, which was once the most expensive photography work sold in the world.

In another area, Prof. SS also expressed his views on commercial photography today which relies heavily on photo displays as illustrations to support a product. Commercial photos made by using models or public figures as objects, very nicely conceptualized lighting to the medium of viewing or broadcasting are made in such a way as to take into account consumer segmentation so that its purpose and function are carried out.

As for other things related to aesthetics, the concept of photographic aesthetics once offered by Prof. SS was extended to the perceptual area, after previously only being discussed in the ideational and technical areas. In fact, to prove its function and influence, photographic works should also be published so that they can be perceived, assessed, enjoyed, and criticized by others.