The Bowery works from 1974, focuses on a street in Manhattan, NY which is famous for its drunks, vagrants and displaced people. I watched the video of the Conversation between Martha Rosler and Stephanie Schwartz. The Bowery works were referred to as the subject of work as well as a place of production for Rosler. She wanted to make a relation between photography and the socially disadvantaged, as she witnessed people with cameras walking down the avenue who would take photos of theses people who couldn’t escape the lens.
Rolser questioned the meaning of documentary and the history behind it, leading her to think about how she could represent the world of ‘the other’ (l’autre) through photography.
I think that this approach to photography shows us the reality of some people’s lives and highlights that we are able to block these issues out. It is only when we are presented with it, we naturally make assumptions that are formed by our interpretation of image.
Her work before The Bowery photographs were intended to be outside of an institution however this was the first work she intended to be put on a wall, along side other works of liberal social documentary.
This may have been done to contrast the subject of work with the presentation of photography. The images of the street are misplaced when put into the gallery setting.
By using images of words alongside her photographs of The Bowery, Martha Rosler has created a prompt for the viewer which could influence their perception on the work. The text plays on aspects of the image, for example, the two bottles are on their side and are used as a metaphor for being drunk and passed out. The bottles are 'unconscious' as 'lay' there still. The photograph is also described as 'out like a light' which would be used to describe somebody who is asleep however, the bottles are laid outside a lighting shop window which emphasises a play of wording.
Through text, the images are given a brief description of a world of 'the other' without objectifying the people living on The Bowery.
This contrasts to the approach of photographer Diane Arbus, how liked to emphasise the marginalised community, 'the freaks'.
By using images of words alongside her photographs of The Bowery, Martha Rosler has created a prompt for the viewer which could influence their perception on the work. The text plays on aspects of the image, for example, the two bottles are on their side and are used as a metaphor for being drunk and passed out. The bottles are 'unconscious' as 'lay' there still. The photograph is also described as 'out like a light' which would be used to describe somebody who is asleep however, the bottles are laid outside a lighting shop window which emphasises a play of wording.
Through text, the images are given a brief description of a world of 'the other' without objectifying the people living on The Bowery.
This contrasts to the approach of photographer Diane Arbus, how liked to emphasise the marginalised community, 'the freaks'.
Rosler intended the work to be an auto critic of the field and a critic emanating from her and her like minded friends of the enterprise of documentary, as a signature for the photographer. These images have been taken into the public domain, put under the signature of somebody known in a restricted field of discourse and has become an exchange between the viewer, photographer and the institution, leaving the world behind, from which the images were taken.
By bringing this work into the institution, the gallery goers are introduced to the people of the bowery. Rosler states that internal tourism in needed to comprehend what is going on within a society. Her images demonstrate the streets from the eyes of a local.
She says that it is different to be the person making the work and for the person who interprets the work.
The relates to Umberto Eco’s ‘Open Works’ as it shows that the work will be interpreted differently by people. Our culture and social views impact how we could interpret this work. Thinking about semiotics, we make interpretations based on our experiences and what we have learnt.
In situation to my practice, I have learnt from The Bowery works to consider the messages that could be obtained by my work from others. It is necessary to think about the clarity of communicated messages when creating designs for clients or for exhibition. It is ethical, as a designer, to consider any miscommunication people may obtain from my work.
The Bowery works links to the idea I have explored for the Collide project. I will make a booklet based on memories that have made me happy and use these as advice for my future self. The booklet is personal to me but would be interpreted differently by somebody else.
Link to Video of Conversation between Martha Rosler and Stephanie Schwartz- https://vimeo.com/111924379
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