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Deconstructing and restoring photography as an embodiment of memory

This dissertation considers whether photography as a language translates
a transient moment into an embodied image. This is considered to be a
mimesis of the moment as an aid for memory. By following a dialectic
approach I posit a thesis based on the common sense perception of
photography which states that photography is an artefactual mimesis
aiding memory. After reflecting on Plato’s concept of writing as a
pharmakon and Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction theory I establish an
antithesis which proclaims that a photograph aids memory but also leads
to the illusion of remembering past experiences. The synthesis is then
presented which resolves the opposing ideas. This component argues that
a photograph is a mimetic device that aids memory by presenting
embodied fragmented reflections of time which can be used to create new
meanings and memories. The dissertation concludes with a discussion
that supports and integrates this argument with visual research. / Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology / M.A. (Visual Arts)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/2774
Date11 1900
CreatorsNaude, Irene
ContributorsPotgieter, F. J. (Frederik Johannes)
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Format1 online resource (v, 93 leaves)

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