Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” remains a timeless masterpiece; the miracle of reminding us of the journey to create it is a miracle in itself. It is full of inspiration for humanity and has the power to illuminate.
How do photography and images differ, and how is photography affected in this age of AI-powered images? And why are we so confused by AI? Have we strayed from the essence of photography? Are we confusing photography and images?
Photography is a combination of Camera science (filters, shutters, bacterial reactions to equipment) + Human (self-discovery, reflection, curiosity, imagination, emotion).
Intelligence, experience, observation, curiosity. These are the qualities and skills that are being buried by the comfort and chaos of modern life. Can photography be a means of creating awareness and meditation?
Chapter 1: Magic Mirror
Chapter 1: Magic Mirror. A journey of philosophical exploration and reflection through photography:
White sheets of paper are taped to the wall, and on the other hand, I am eager to discover a world hidden behind these sheets of paper, beckoned by the empty spaces. If I ignore it, there will be nothing worth mentioning. But if I bring it up out of curiosity, will something appear? Indeed, the invisible gap between these two decisions is vast: One is to accept reality but do nothing, the other is to accept reality but take action to make a small change.
This reminds me of Albert Camus: “It should not become a dead end. It arouses a revolt that can become fruitful. An analysis of the idea of revolt could help us to discover ideas capable of restoring a relative meaning to existence, although a meaning that would always be in danger.”
Facing these pieces of paper is like looking into one’s own thoughts and falling into an internal struggle: Should I be like the majority or follow my own beliefs?
All the anxiety, insecurity, and deadlock from life’s pressures can be a blank page disguised to prevent us from discovering the wonderful other side of life.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Chapter 2: Being A Camera
Chapter 2: Being A Camera
Revisits the history of photography and the invention of the camera as a beauty of science. In it, images are recorded through human observation, combined with light reactions via camera technology. This is the interaction between the camera and the photographer.
Being A Camera
A study on the emphasis on the camera, as a mechanical device, as a poetic human invention, demonstrates the connection between science, humanity, and the process of artistic creation.We return to humanity’s original intentions when the first cameras were created. Along with the moments frozen by shutter speed or special effects created by this device, these qualities distinguish it from magnifying glasses, microscopes, scanners, or image editing software.
 |
 |
Chapter 3: F.XK NEW
Chapter 3: F.XK NEW- The Allure
This idea stems from how we’ve been surrounded by ambiguous information, true or false, since the invention of the camera. Images are manipulated to deliberately create confusion, tension, and curiosity.
We experimented with another possibility on the surface of images: creating uncontrolled chemical reactions on the printed surface. On the one hand, this process creates fascination, much like the allure of fake news, but on the other hand, it reveals the dark side of the collective subconscious: the urge to impress rather than respect the natural, organic authenticity inherent in the image.
 |
 |
Chapter 4: Long Time No See
Chapter 4: Long Time No See
This reminds us that photography is a process of curiosity and exploration of life through small perspectives and ordinary objects. It creates a sense of engagement and a journey of the mind in observing and experimenting with how the device (camera) reacts to the reality around us. “Long time no see” is a phrase that reminds us of things we haven’t noticed in a long time, thus photography is an opportunity to interact with real life instead of life on the internet.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
*
Think About Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”- Short stories told through photography by Chiron Duong
Photography is a combination of Camera science (filters, shutters, bacterial reactions to equipment) + Human (self-discovery, reflection, curiosity, imagination, emotion).
*
Thank you so much!
