Modernism 20:28 Apr 16, 2009
As I expect you know, Julie, this is a statement central to the fundamentals of Modernism. It means that the image must first respond to the inherent rules of its own medium. So if it is a 2-D image, it will inevitably refer to its own frame, the flatness of the surface, its own 2-dimensionality. To do anything else is to lie, to be inauthentic. I must admit I have never seen it expressed in quite this way - it does make it awkward for the translator. I think I might say something like - it should always respond to the inherent laws of its medium. I know that does away with 'reality' and adds 'responds', but it is far more comprehensible expressed in that way. And would be far more familiar to an intelligent readership, at whom I presume the text is aimed. |