Anathema Quote by Berenice Abbott
“What to me is anathema - a corpse-like, outmoded hangover - is for photography to be a bad excuse for another medium. ... Is not photography good enough in itself, that it must be made to look like something else, supposedly superior?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Photography and the Other Mediums”, 1970s
The quote critiques photography’s tendency to imitate other art forms instead of valuing its own unique qualities.
In simple terms: Photography should stand on its own merits.
Key Takeaway
Embrace photography’s distinct voice.
Themes
art criticism
medium identity
authenticity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- gallery exhibitions
- art education
- creative practice
- media criticism
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
media hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can photographers celebrate their medium’s strengths?
- What does “bad excuse” reveal about artistic hierarchy?
A Different Perspective
May overlook photography’s potential for interdisciplinary dialogue.
