The Kiss of Judas

"The Kiss of Judas" cover

After a few days holiday, come back, this time more focused continuing with my work. Today I choose a book I consider to be basic for anyone in a creative way want to delve into the field of photography, as it is a book accessible to both a theoretical and conceptual basis of a particular vision of what is the picture and vision as a photographer Joan Fontcuberta.

"Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, the authority of photographic realism also intends to betray our intelligence. Judas hangs himself overwhelmed by remorse. React the picture in time to escape to his suicide announced. "

Joan Fontcuberta - The Kiss of Judas

I knew the book while studying photography, thanks to a great teacher and now friend, Oscar Yanel, which among other things taught me the importance of a theoretical basis in the picture. Among the multitude of writers, photographers, theorists and artists feature in this book first, that even being theory of photography, was written in an accessible way to start and dispensed with all baroque often have this kind of authority. Recommended reading for anyone who wants to bring the world of photography and like me I find it hard to summarize, I leave you with a summary of a blog I visit on a regular basis. De fotografía

"In" The Kiss of Judas ", Joan Fontcuberta criticizes the belief that the camera does not lie, based on the historical concept that photography has been serving the truth, exercising a function or testimonial registration. In his book vaccine we over-realism of photography, casting doubts and uncertainty about the veracity of the photographic record.

Portrait of Joan Fontcuberta in their study.

Of course the question is not trivial, as there are many cases in which the initial registration of the camera did not match the one we have seen in the media. Who does not remember the famous photograph that the Spanish Royal Family used as a Christmas card in 2005 and where the King appeared with no legs? How many times have discovered the wonders of the clone stamp images of seemingly pure story and untouched at all?

In the story, without tools as powerful as Photoshop retouching and have produced alterations in the original image. Today, every image is manipulated and that everyone knows, so we doubt what becomes imperative.

Through the eight chapters of "The Kiss of Judas", Fontcuberta takes a reflection not without irony about this issue. Based on his own experience compels us to open our eyes, to be skeptical of the photographic image.

Some we agree on the issues raised Fontcuberta and others are not. But reading this book is a good opportunity to put to work the neurons think the photographic act and in what amounts to press the button of the camera. "

Joan Fontcuberta website

Articulo en español