Critical Studies. Panopticism & Photography.

Panopticism is the social theory developed by French philosopher Michel Foucault. It is interesting to consider how surveillance and society affect our behaviour, this is because of the effect it has on our human consciousness. A simple example are CCTV cameras, always watching and constantly around us represent a institutional gaze. The panopticon is a symbol of how this power is played on by those in power (the few) over the many.

In photography surveillance and voyeurism are two concepts which explore the idea of an internalisation. The idea that we as photographers can begin to watch ourselves through the eyes of those watching. Where do the boundaries between surveillance and voyeurism begin and end? Surveillance describes an act of detached observation which is both unmotivated and passive, where as voyeurism is a person who gains sexual pleasure from watching others. The contrast between the two show is that one is of a ’deviant’ nature and one is accepted as the 'norm'.

The following images have been selected with the exhibition 'Exposed' in mind (http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/exposure/default.shtm). Each photographer was part of the exhibition but these images have been brought together from work created outside of this.

Helmut Newton.

This first image by Newton captures a beautiful model posed provokingly in front of a TV. If we read into these connotations I get the sense that this women is escaping the idea of performing for a institutional gaze, by juxtaposing the subject with the TV the women is placed in a status of power. She is all knowing, she is seen watching and seeing what the person in the TV is doing, whereas behind closed doors she is being who she wants to be and baring all. By photographing this image however Newton contradicts this because us as viewers are exposed to her act, I think this contradiction forces us to question our own internalisation and behaviour in society. I think people may raise concern with the objectification of the women; however I get the feeling of sexual freedom and beauty which I think is what Newton wanted to portray here.

Nan Goldin
Self Portrait with Dickie, The York Motel, NJ 1980.


This second piece offers a different unusual reading. Nan Goldin exposes her own body and the photographer is placed directly into the frame. In 1973 she held her first solo exhibition exploring gay and transsexual identity. Her work brings to the forefront people and ideas we may not view to be in the 'norm' of society. Here photography's direct manner is clear, a sexual act seems to be playing out and this puts the viewer into a uncomfortable situation. I think the photographer wants to question the ease in which our activities can now be watched and accessed, but also about the morality around what this image is ultimately achieving. Has she gone too far? Newton used a subject to convey his message where as here Goldin places herself directly under the spotlight. I feel she is connecting with us more provokingly by immersing herself into the issue. This also raises the question about ethics documentary photography.

Robbert Mapplethorpe
Plate 99. Untitled (Eddie) 1973.


Robbert Mapplethropes work is controversial with his subject matter and also how directly he attempts to communicate to the viewers. I think the mirror here is symbolic of a reflection upon oneself, I think this represents the idea of an internalisation. Here the subject is looking upon his self naked, reflecting but we know not what of. I think here Mapplethorpe is allowing the viewer to place himself in the soul of the sitter, by actively introducing the mirror as a visual barrier, we break this down by placing our own identity and emotions into the image. It is similar in framing like that of Goldins yet the mirror offers a different angle upon the topic. Are we meant to feel like a voyeur here?