Exercise - In the American East by Richard Bolton

I have read 'In the American East' after purchasing the book from Amazon, The Contest of meaning.  I found it a very interesting piece.  Using the poverty of some to work alongside more glamourous images of others whilst making money along the way.

The article starts by discussing the move from industry to the more glamourous computerised offices and money making banks and businesses.  But although it seems like there is a decline in heavy industry, it has in fact just moved, it is still there, as it needs to be.  It has moved to countries where wages are low and unions are non-exsistant.  Also it is still very much in America.  It was said that the lower classes would eventually benefit from the increased wealth of the upper class. Political theorist Goran Therborn said economic stability did not require the creation of this marginalised class..
He noted countries with strong policies kept unemployment low.  No commitment was made by the USA. Capitalism seems more heroic than ever. The present condition of art can tell us much about the nature of communication in this new society. Artist have always contended with competition from the mass media.  Corporations effect more and more information, newspapers, TV and Art exhibitions aswell.  Communication has become infused with the powerful and fascinating effects of advertising.

These effects not only sell products, they effect everything from news broadcast to presidential elections.  Discoveries in art art put to use in public relations, sales and entertainment.  As a result, Art, fashion, and advertising have become entwined.

In 1979 Avedon began a five year photography project taking pictures of citizens of the West, those who work hard at uncelebrated jobs, people who are often overlooked and ignored.
His photographs didnt show specific locations in the West by pacing the subjects against a seamless studio back drop.  He used a narrow depth of field and he photographed them in the shadows.  With further printing effets.  Then they were large final prints, exaggerating the effects.
Avedon wants you to find meaning in the photograph solely through the subjects appearance. Avedon expects his subjects to communicate to the audience.


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Then look at work of Charlotte Oestervang in Appalachia.

http://www.oca-student.com/resource-type/foto861appalachian

The full issue of the magazine can be found here ..


http://issuu.com/foto8/docs/vol6no1