The Theory of non place. a phrase stepped in philosophy and anthropology now used in the same vein a word like 'gourmet' would be, tacked onto a maccas burger to make it seem more important.
Above: A recent favorite of mine. Whilst the Central Park Tower would be considered a 'place', because of it's status as a major city landmark and defining feature, I like being able to isolate it in scenes that i'd normally consider non place, such as viewing it from behind a blindwall made of corrugated steel in a rundown city car park (that smells like piss and Friday bender).
Central Park
(c) Tom Adams 2015 all rights reserved.
Whilst Marc Augé's original work pertaining to the creation and meaning behind the phrase is still valid (and something I use in the rationale of my own work too, mind), I can't help but feel it is starting to be used as a cop out for people who are Insta-G 'famous', took a picture of a cactus in their neighbors garden and somehow managed to get 1500 likes on it.
or maybe I am just bitter. This is a real possibility, especially if you ask my partner.
In Augé's work it is stated also that the non place - whilst having always existed - has mainly come about in the modern era. An era of Supermodernity has bought about so many events and space needed to house these events that they all become diluted. Only the most important of these spaces may be a place;
This supermodern world contains many "non-places." These are the spaces of institutions "formed in relation to certain ends (transport, transit, commerce, leisure)" (94). However, Augé does not use this term in a derogatory way. It is rather descriptive of a certain sort of place that inculcates a new sense of thin or abstract identity...
... Traditional closed indentity-defining places (which Augé doubts ever existed in total purity) are "places of identity, of relations and of history. The layout of the house, the rules of residence, the zoning of the village, placement of altars, configuration of public open spaces, land distribution, correspond for every individual to a system of possibilities, prescriptions and interdicts whose content is both spatial and social" (52).
(Auge on "non-places", David Kolb 2007; October 2010)
But now it seems, in a way that only the internet could have facilitated (using photographers like myself and others) the non place described by Auge is able to be beamed around the world. Surely that would have an effect it's status as a place? These are spaces being sought for their supposed single use an feel. Now the empty, damp underground walkway is now trending on Instagram because the 'aesthetic' is appropriately gloomy - it's now famous! Surely if something can garner as many likes as the statue of liberty can just for being there it is a place?
Mind the statue of liberty has important historical value as well as it's impressive - and hardly minimalist - demenor. Your wheelie bin knocked over on a foggy morning doesn't have historical value except to say the truck driver couldn't be assed to stand it back up (does tick the minimalist bix though!)
Maybe I read to much into it. Why should I spend time worrying if the spot I have chosen to photograph seems 'nonplacey' enough. To qoute the oft quoted great, the Mr Ansell Adams;
A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.
That fits, my outlook is bleak and I prefer my time to not include many people. My photographs reflect my views and what I find to be visually appealing.
I guess much like the non-place never being fully complete, I will never fully understand my own desires pertaining to my photography. So long as I enjoy my craft* others can appreciate or note the way I have depicted the scene that is enough for me.
* Totally includes cameras themselves, camera porn and "device design appreciation".
Above: The integration of man [made space] and nature - a major inspiration for me.
Looking north through the boundary fence of the East Perth Cemetery.
(c) Tom Adams 2015 all rights reserved.
Above: A 'Non-Place', Loading bay gates on a particularly nice Brutalist building. Foreboding and isolating in itself. The lack of colour and the includsion of 'artificial nature' in the form of planters are a favorite theme for me also.
Perth Concert Hall
(c) Tom Adams 2015 all rights reserved.
Photography is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality - Alfred Stieglitz