Have you ever captured a photograph of someone that had great impact of meaning to you? Then when others see it they assume it means nothing to you, or see something totally differant.in the documentary “the true meaning of pictures” by Jennifer Baichwal, she examines how ones photography may be misinterpreted by critics, viewers, and subjects alike.
She analyzed the works of Shelby Lee Adams, who embarked on a 30 year quest to capture the hardships and lifestyles of the Appalachian “Holler” people. He claimed to be “drawn to the pain and hardships” of them. Baichwal documented what seems to me as her views of Adams belittling these people. As his critics also seemed to drift in this battle of views. His critics claimed that “his photos deploy harmful stereotypes about hillbillies.” They stated he made them out to be lazy moon shine drinking in breeders, whose poverty is their own faults.
I believe that Adams wanted to truly show people what kind of old fashioned down to earth “Holler People” exist. Keeping in touch with the hardships of this poverty stricken people. To show how deep into their own cultures they live, and still partake in traditions they have for generations. There was a lack of background info of his intentions, or goals of his work. Adams could have included some background explaining what his views were in the first place leaving no room for negative criticism making out to be the everyday asshole.
In the article there was one statement particularly that triggered my thought process, “instead of pain and hardship, could he display dignity and hope?” I felt from the photographs that I viewed that they were very inspiring to think these people do in fact live with such hardships and pain. A little explanation or background could in itself give some dignity or hope. These “Holler people” have dignity and hope for their selves, with or without the world seeing them through Adams photographs.
