Interpreting Milton, the worker

Representation in the works of African Photographers
From: Antony Kaminju
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 at 10:23am

Elizabeth Edward writes: “Central to the nature of the photograph and it’s interpretive dilemmas is it’s insistent dislocation of time and space…closely related to temporal dislocation in a photographic context is spatial dislocation.In the creation of an image photographic technology frames the world.camera angle,range of lens, type of film and the chosen moment of exposure further dictate and shape the moment.Exposure is an apposite term,for it carries not only technical meaning, but describes that moment “exposed” to historical scrutiny.The photograph contains and contrains within it’s boundaries, excluding all else, a microcosmic analogue of the framing of space which is knowledge.”

By use of pictures (could be archives or that you have taken) unpack Edwards words.You need to develop an argument for your blog and for class discussion as well.

This is a photograph of Milton at work. Milton is a “Yaler”. He is an intellectually challenged individual who works with YALE (Young Adults Learning and Earning). This organization provides work and a day home for people who are intellectually challenged and struggle to fit into what society generally sees as normal life.

The photograph interprets Milton’s extreme pride for his job. He works very quickly and carefully. His job, however, is something as simple as him folding letters. As said, he takes pride in his work. To a person that is not intellectually challenged, what he does may seem very simple. For Milton, this job defines part of his identity.

This is why his hands are in focus and the movement thereof is captured by an altered shutter speed.

The stapler symbolises how Milton’s life is dominated by work, work which he sees as an integral part of his life.

His facial expression, with him peering down shows how focused he is at this part of his life.

Also his desk is in order even though he believes he is ridding the world of chaos. Thus we have an implied paradox.