Invisible Quote by Roland Barthes
“A photograph is always invisible, it is not it that we see.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Camera Lucida, Roland Barthes, 1980
A photograph shows the absence of the subject, not the subject itself.
In simple terms: Photos capture emptiness.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond the image.
Themes
perception
representation
absence
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
critical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- memory
- digital media
Key Concepts
semiotics
visual theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the unseen tell you?
- How do you interpret what is not shown?
A Different Perspective
Images can also convey presence and emotion.
![“I don't know whether we think in moving images or whether we think in still images. I have a suspicion that on our hard drive, our series within our brains, [exist] still photographs of very important moments in our lives. ... That we think in terms of still images and that what the photography is…” quote by Jon Snow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/598/jon-snow-40883_all-time_i-don-t-know-whether-we-think-in-moving_15093.jpg)
![“I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback [in "The Invisible Woman"]. Ralph [Fiennes] was very open to my input, I think knowing that he couldn't always be there 100 percent, that he had dual aims with directing and acting.” quote by Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/felicity-jones-2070_acting_i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-wa_11933.jpg)
