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That was why, later on, he began to lose interest in…

“That was why, later on, he began to lose interest in photography: first when colour took over, then when it became plain that the old magic of light-sensitive emulsions was waning, that to the rising generation the enchantment lay in a techne of images without substance, images that could flash…” quote by J.M. Coetzee
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““That was why, later on, he began to lose interest in photography: first when colour took over, then when it became plain that the old magic of light-sensitive emulsions was waning, that to the rising generation the enchantment lay in a techne of images without substance, images that could flash through the ether without residing anywhere, that could be sucked into a machine and emerge from it doctored, untrue. He gave up recording the world in photographs then, and transferred his energies to saving the past.””

J.M. Coetzee

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He abandoned photography as it shifted from analog craft to digital manipulation, feeling the medium lost its material authenticity, and turned to preserving history instead.

In simple terms: He left photography when it became digital and insincere, focusing on history.

Key Takeaway

Embrace authentic, tactile creation.

Themes

technology authenticity memory art change

Mood

nostalgic reflective critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • photography
  • digital media
  • archiving
  • historical research
  • museum curation

Key Concepts

materiality digital manipulation historical preservation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What aspects of your craft feel lost to automation?
  • How can you preserve authenticity in a digital age?
A Different Perspective

Digital tools can still convey depth if used mindfully.

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