Roland Barthes - Punctum & Studium
Roland Barthes wrote a book named Camera Lucida. Within this book Barthes introduces two concepts that make a photographic image stand out. These concepts are known as 'Studium' and 'Punctum'.
Studium is the element that creates interest in a photographic image. It shows the intention of the photographer but we experience this intention in reverse as spectators; the photographer thinks of the idea (or intention) then present it photographically, the spectator then has to act in the opposite way, they see the photograph then have to interpret it to see the ideas and intentions behind it.
Studium is the element that creates interest in a photographic image. It shows the intention of the photographer but we experience this intention in reverse as spectators; the photographer thinks of the idea (or intention) then present it photographically, the spectator then has to act in the opposite way, they see the photograph then have to interpret it to see the ideas and intentions behind it.
This image is an example of studium as it does not draw the reader to any particular detail but shows the simplicity and pleasing sense of how beautiful the tulips are. Not one line or shape draws the readers attention from something else. Simplicity.
Punctum is an object or image that jumps out at the viewer within a photograph- ‘that accident which pricks, bruises me.’ Punctum can exist alongside studium, but disturbs it, creating an ‘element which rises from the scene’ and unintentionally fills the whole image. Punctum is the rare detail that attracts you to an image, Barthes says ‘its mere presence changes my reading, that I am looking at a new photograph, marked in my eyes with a higher value.’
George Powell analyses Camera Lucida and makes particular judgements about the concepts that Barthes introduces. Powell talks about how Punctum is much more powerful and compelling to the spectator, changing the ‘like’ of studium to the love of an image.
George Powell analyses Camera Lucida and makes particular judgements about the concepts that Barthes introduces. Powell talks about how Punctum is much more powerful and compelling to the spectator, changing the ‘like’ of studium to the love of an image.
This image represents Barthes concept known as punctum. It draws the readers attention to the boys expression that he is glancing at something. Surrounding him the pavement is dry but the majority of it is wet. It is a compelling question of 'what' is keeping the pavement dry that the reader asks. Something that can not be seen. It focuses the readers attention hence being an example of punctum.
Credit: http://georgepowell.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/studium-and-punctum/
http://introphotofall2010.blogspot.com.au/2010/09/studium-and-punctum_21.html
http://introphotofall2010.blogspot.com.au/2010/09/studium-and-punctum_21.html