Photography and symbolic adherence: “Aura,” “engagement” and “memory” in photographic protagonism 1

Authors

  • Maria da Conceição Francisca Pires Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
  • Sergio Luiz Pereira da Silva Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4013/csu.2016.52.3.14

Abstract

Based on the works of Barthes (1980), Benjamin (1996), Bourdieu (1979) and Halbwachs (1990), we discuss the elements that favored that the photographs “Migrant Mother” (by Dorothea Lange, 1936) and “The Death of the Militiaman” (by Robert Capa, 1936) were incorporated into a collective imaginary, becoming the reference of a certain historical reality. We understand that these images have in common the relationship they established with the memories and experiences of the societies they represent and that they create for the audience a visual narrative about the lived experience. They influence their social and political dynamics in the public sphere, as well as favoring a reflection about the photographic act, concerning its technical work and its political character.

Keywords: aura, photography, memory.

Author Biographies

Maria da Conceição Francisca Pires, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Historia UNIRIODepartamento de História UNIRIO

Sergio Luiz Pereira da Silva, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO

Departamento de Ciências Sociais e Programa de Pós Graduação em Memória Social - UNIRIO

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Published

2016-10-28

Issue

Vol. 52 No. 3 (2016): September/December

Section

Articles

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