The Ontology of Photography Visually Analysed through the Camera Obscura

Abstract

This practice-led visual research is on the ontology of photography. Owing to the pervasive use of photography to inform, and conform to, contemporary visual culture, an alternative approach to (and understanding of) the medium seems viable. This study visually examines the following aspects of photography in contemporary society: Is it possible to create an alternative approach in the ontological understanding of photography? Will the use of visual works to identify these alternative approaches using the concepts of heterotopia, intersubjectivity, liminality and khôra be able to justify this alternative approach? How applicable are these concepts to the ontology of photography? The camera obscura is used as a primary medium to visually analyse the ontology of the medium. The research is conducted at three different locations: termite mounds, Robben Island prison cells, and a vulture feeding station. The concepts of heterotopia, intersubjectivity, liminality and khôra are used as lenses through which these works are interpreted. They present an alternative approach to the understanding of the darkened space inside the camera as well as the space of the photographic image.