'' OK, shit stirring. In a previous posting I forwarded the word “challenging” as a polite alternative but, after giving it some thought today, I now think “taxing” might be more appropriate… This debate has been pretty tiring! It’s definitely been worthwhile because I’m much closer now than I’ve ever been to being able to appreciate the appeal of Teller’s work. But from appreciation to liking there’s still a big difference. De gustibus non disputandem est? I may get there eventually, but I’m not going to hold my breath…
The whole shit-stirring thing has its origin in something martinb wrote earlier, in far more guarded terms (to his credit, wish I had such restraint), about respecting the impact Teller’s work has had on fashion photography, the resultant adjustments that have occurred in terms of what has become acceptable for publication in the fashion press, a shaking up of established “norms”. I agree with him about this, but at the same time I’ve been wondering if the boundaries that have been pushed are of any real significance. ''
For me, personally, it has been of a real significance. In my eyes it went from a mainly conservative style of fashion photography to taking it to new places, out with the old, in with the new. What it comes down to is ones preferences in aesthetics.
''I also doubt that Teller is directly responsible for the impact his work has had, if only because in interview he seems so vague. I mean, it can seem as if he’s allowed himself to be carried, rather than personally being the deliberate instigator of the furore his work has sometimes caused. I suppose, in the light of the kind of anti-style he’s helped initiate, it makes sense that he should seem so… absent? But it’s kind of frustrating all the same. I’ve been trying to follow his career since I first became aware of it, but my attention to it has been patchy (I do have a life of sorts) so I may have missed things of import. Perhaps this helps explain the overall impression I have is that he’s been pushed forward by others, fairly passively. He says himself that he dislikes being pigeonholed (my word) – he doesn’t consider himself an artist or even a fashion photographer. This can smack of borderline false modesty... ''
Can and also can not. Some don't like to categorise their work, which i have no problems with and can somewhat relate to. I often see my work as reaching into different fields, something a viewer might not see. For instance, a photo can be a definate inspiration for a future textile design or light design or a basis for a painting etc. Do you know what he considers himself as ?
Another thing that perhaps plays a role is him being German, having a different mentality to someone from another country. What might seem distant to one, is seen as normal to another, that shouldn't be overlooked.
And to antistyle; that would mean creating an anti style on purpose, but again, i never viewed his work that way. Antistyle and shitstirring as in juvenile and just being ''against'' the ''status quo'' ? Insincerity, perhaps ? I'd categorise a Richardson that way (not that i necessarily view him as insincere), pop punk, easier accessible, flasing neon signs you understand in less than 30 seconds.
''But then, it’s difficult to criticise someone who abdicates responsibility.
It’s not impossible though. Thus this whole debate! And others elsewhere?''
What responsibility does he have ?
'' There is an interesting crossover possible between this posting and the one about Terry Richardson – for me, at least. Whatever else I may think of him, Richardson has an aesthetic I can easily relate to, where Teller doesn’t. I mean, Richardson’s talent is more obvious, more instantly, accessibly apparent, where Tellers isn’t somehow. ''
Yes, and that's why i prefer Tellers to Richardsons work. Richardsons ''talent'' is easy to read, in colour, content, techniques. Maybe i prefer more diffused work and a playing with norms in a less easily readable way. Richardsons work is, content aside, visually ''prettier'' and easy accesible, that's one reason why it doesn't particularly hold my interest.
''But I still don’t feel I’ve explained shit stirring. Making a big fuss about nothing. Or, disturbing the status quo. Can mean either – take your pick.''
The status quo feeling disturbed. I'm not sure, if Herr Teller was/is actually out to disturb, i never viewed his work that way, but then again, maybe i'm missing an important point.
