Challenges Quote by Walker Evans
“I do note that photography, a despised medium to work in, is full of empty phonies and worthless commercial people. That presents quite a challenge to the man who can take delight in being in a very difficult, disdained medium.”
About This Quote
Source Book: American Photographs, 1938
Evans criticizes the photography field as filled with insincere and commercial individuals, making it hard for true artists.
In simple terms: Photography is seen as insincere and commercial, challenging genuine artists.
Key Takeaway
Seek authenticity despite a hostile environment.
Themes
authenticity
artistry
critique
industry
challenge
Mood
frustrated
determined
Type
critical
reflective
When to use this quote
- portrait work
- documentary projects
- gallery exhibitions
- teaching photography
Key Concepts
Aesthetic integrity
commercialism
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you maintain artistic integrity in a commercial field?
- What defines authenticity in your work?
A Different Perspective
Even genuine artists may be pressured to compromise for market success.
![“I cursed [Larry Merchant] out once, and I told him that he was a phony.” quote by Larry Holmes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/869/larry-holmes-7529_cursed_i-cursed-larry-merchant-out-once-and-i-t_51764.jpg)
![“What I believe is really good in the so-called documentary approach to photography is the addition of lyricism.[this quality] is usually produced unconsciously and even unintentionally and accidentally by the cameraman.” quote by Walker Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bfe/walker-evans-14813_approach_what-i-believe-is-really-good-in-the-so_209744.jpg)
![“Nobody should touch a Polaroid [camera] until he's over sixty” quote by Walker Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ccc/walker-evans-14813_cameras_nobody-should-touch-a-polaroid-camera-un_963399.jpg)
