NAZAR
I'm an English major. Not just in training, really, but in personality. I was an English major before I ever even knew what college was, and I would be an English major even if I had been born 1500 years ago before colleges even existed. Therefore, I get unduly excited when a word describes something perfectly. I came across one of those words tonight in the book I'm reading. The book is titled Nazar: Photography from the Arab World. A book like this is necessary not only because the Arab world is the subject of so much of our current events from the past 20 years (at least), but because for much of the history of photography, the medium has been discouraged (sometimes to the point of criminality) in many Arab nations. Collecting the images that do exist from the very brave and talented photographers is a way of not only exploring creativity within constraint, but also of supporting a burgeoning photographic community.
The word Nazar in Arabic means "seeing, insight, reflection." I can't honestly think of one word which so accurately and fully captures what photography is. First of all, ever photographer must "see" in order to make an image. Every photographer will agree that the photographic eye is the single most important trait that a photographer must posses, over and above all the technical skills combined. Good images are those that provide some "insight" into the subject of the photograph or the society the subject and photographer share. When we look at images, especially portraits, we want to feel as though we know and understand the subject in a way which would be impossible without this picture taken by this person at this time, and we want that knowledge to reveal something about not only the subject, but also about the society to which he/she/it is connected. Finally, photography is "reflective," at least when it is done well. Images reflect the value system and personality of the photographer. His/her beliefs, prejudices, and ideologies are reflected in the face of the model or in the selection of setting. Photographs are at all times a commentary on the photographer as well as the subject.
Nazar.
If I ever get a tatoo, that will probably be it, as much for it being an example of a perfect word as for what it actually means.
The word Nazar in Arabic means "seeing, insight, reflection." I can't honestly think of one word which so accurately and fully captures what photography is. First of all, ever photographer must "see" in order to make an image. Every photographer will agree that the photographic eye is the single most important trait that a photographer must posses, over and above all the technical skills combined. Good images are those that provide some "insight" into the subject of the photograph or the society the subject and photographer share. When we look at images, especially portraits, we want to feel as though we know and understand the subject in a way which would be impossible without this picture taken by this person at this time, and we want that knowledge to reveal something about not only the subject, but also about the society to which he/she/it is connected. Finally, photography is "reflective," at least when it is done well. Images reflect the value system and personality of the photographer. His/her beliefs, prejudices, and ideologies are reflected in the face of the model or in the selection of setting. Photographs are at all times a commentary on the photographer as well as the subject.
Nazar.
If I ever get a tatoo, that will probably be it, as much for it being an example of a perfect word as for what it actually means.
3 Comments:
That reminds of the show of Pulitzer photos at the Frist. It seemed like you could really relate to almost every one of those subjects.
Great, point Rob. It is just like that. Our book came through in the mail just the other day from the exhibit. Let me know if you're interested in looking at it.
Nazar milayo joshua...
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