Of course, music is an art form, and it's not all that competitive. But we don't ever intend to be the second-best band on a stage at any show.
Tom MorelloRead
My photographs are proof of what happened. When I go to Russia, sometimes I meet ex-soldiers... They say, 'We came to liberate you....' I say: 'Listen, I think it was quite different. I saw people being killed.' They say: 'No. We never... no shooting. No. No.' So I can show them my Prague 1968 photographs and say, 'Listen, these are my pictures. I was there.' And they have to believe me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the power of photography as a historical witness, capturing reality that may contradict personal narratives.
In this quote, Josef Koudelka reflects on the undeniable truth that photographs can provide in recounting historical events, particularly in the context of war and liberation. He shares his experience of confronting ex-soldiers with evidence of violence during their actions, illustrating how visual documentation can counter narratives that seek to deny or erase the harsh realities of the past. Koudelka's work serves as a reminder of the importance of eyewitness accounts and the subjective nature of memory in understanding history.
Themes
PhotographyHistoryTruthMemoryWar
In practice
Example use cases
During a photography exhibit, one could use this quote to illustrate the significance of visual storytelling.
Similar quotes
Passion is in all great searches and is necessary to all creative endeavors.
W. Eugene SmithRead
The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.
Igor StravinskyRead
Whatever precautions you take so the photograph will look like this or that, there comes a moment when the photograph surprises you. It is the other's gaze that wins out and decides.
Jacques DerridaRead
I can never get over when you're on the beach how beautiful the sand looks and the water washes it away and straightens it up and the trees and the grass all look great. I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want to own.
Andy WarholRead
My father was an artist. When life was harder and he couldn't get jobs, he painted houses, but he was artistic. When I went to see his work, it was special. Somewhere along the line, I felt I was special. I didn't know why.
Ralph LaurenRead