My wife and daughter have been trying to pull me into their American Idol viewing. I have resisted but am weakening, mostly because I like David Cook. I have however watched various episodes of reality shows dealing with creative competition. These have included fashion design, cooking, and interior design. Mostly I find it interesting to see how creative people deal with often ridiculous tests and restrictions.
I do think though that these shows have heightened the appreciation for the various creative endeavors that they feature. It strikes me that no show has dealt with photography or any two-dimensional visual art. I could easily see a show where photographers are given assignments and restrictions on time equipment, method, etc and then evaluated for their problem solving and creativity. Is there just no interest in this kind of competition or is this a feasible idea? Would such a show heighten the appreciation by the public in general for the medium or diminish it in some way?
I tend to think that any coverage would be beneficial. Ask most people to name a famous photographer and other than Ansel Adams, most would be stumped. Of course it’s probably worse for other mediums. But since most people can name famous painters, authors, singers, actors, and a cloth designer or two, maybe photography would benefit from some pop culture.
*****************************************************************
Recent Comments