A workshop dedicated to reading and exploring the book of criticism and theorization on photography “Camera Lucida” by French literary theorist and philosopher Roland Barthes. The aim is to shift from everyday linguistic perceptions to the unique framework of Barthes' text. “Camera Lucida” is a widely read work on photography, yet its content is rarely fully understood. The difficulty in comprehending this book lies in the logical paradox that the clearer its core message, the harder it becomes to articulate explicitly. By experiencing this linguistic trick firsthand, one can unlock the ability to read “Camera Lucida”. Written with human sincerity and logical depth, the book transcends photography theory to become a profoundly moving philosophical work when read in this way. In this workshop, participants will engage with the philosophical approach of "phenomenology," which Barthes draws upon, through group sessions. This will offer a fresh perspective on what it means to view and critique photographs. Additionally, there will be a brief lecture on the philosophies of Plato and Heidegger, which serve as foundational ideas for “Camera Lucida”. However, the text of “Camera Lucida” itself will not be discussed during this workshop but will be covered in a subsequent reading series. By recognizing the delays and discrepancies that arise between "text" and "thought" in the workshop, participants will elevate their linguistic approach to photographic works to a new dimension.

Fee：¥5,000
Capacity：10 people

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