From the Editor: VOL. 2, NO.5 • MAY/JUNE 2002
DON’T BUY THIS MAGAZINE IF NUDITY OFFENDS YOU. But before you make a decision to put it back, consider: Photovision is a fine art magazine. The history of art includes still lifes, portraits, scenics, and nudes. If you are interested in the art of photography, then nudes should be a part of your interest.
However, nudes are only one area of photographic endeavor, therefore, you won’t see them in every issue, but you will see them from time to time. So, if nudity offends you, put this magazine back.
In my own opinion, one function of art is to illicit a response from the viewer; to bring them back in touch with emotions that may have become dormant in the daily press of life. For example, viewing an original print by Ansel Adams always uplifts my spirit. Whereas viewing an image of body parts by Joel Peter-Witkin always upsets me. To me, both are valid forms of artistic expression and I would defend the right of both to be shown, and either may appear in the pages of Photovision.
I realize that to some viewing even a “classic” nude can be unsettling. In my opinion, that only proves it’s value as art. So, if nudity offends you, I suggest you purchase this magazine and study it closely to find out why it offends you.
It all began when we decided to publish the work of Jeff Dunas. As a young man Jeff worked for Playboy magazine in Europe. Although the nude is not a central part of his mature work, it can’t be denied from his formative years.
As long as we were showing Jeff’s work, our logic went, we might as well show the work of Nancy Cain which has been in our files for almost two years now. Nancy works in color with the female form which she overlays with photographs of earth and flowers.
We also had on hand the portfolio of Curtis Salonick, who works in black-andwhite with both male and female nudes. He then combines elements from various images in the darkroom to create surreal compositions. Nancy working with color transparency creating overlays, and Curtis working with black-and-white creating composite images in the darkroom. How could we resist?
A great deal has been made of the fact that Ansel Adams would have turned 100 this year. What has not been widely touted is that his close friend, photographer Wynn Bullock, would also have turned 100. In this issue we honor Wynn Bullock and his influence through a personal observation by Karen Sinsheimer and a review of the new book, Wynn Bullock 55, by Phaidon Press.
There are a number of surprises in this issue, as our regular readers will note. Probably the biggest surprise is the ad placed by Minolta on the back cover for their digital camera the DiMage X. At first we refused to accept the ad. But Minolta insisted, saying “Ask the readers how they feel about it.” So we are asking you. How do you feel about an ad for a digital camera in your photography magazine? On page 17 you will find a questionnaire. If you will take a moment to fill it out and then fax or mail it back to us we’ll know. Your responses will help to decide the future direction of Photovision magazine.
Before you respond, give some thought to the message that Minolta is sending. What they are saying is what we all know, sooner or later most photographers will purchase a digital camera, even if it’s only for the convenience of family snapshots. The way I see it, the message from Minolta is, “We’re willing to support your passion if you will please consider our digital cameras when you make your purchasing decision.” This is a message that we at Photovision can get behind.
Steve Anchell
Senior Editor