yo did u realize ur theme doesn't show any of the captions
We do realize, and it was a very intentional artistic statement. Our theme displays a series of images that are purely representational, but lack the captions that would give any context or clue as to the meaning. Because of this, the viewer is forced to either generate a meaning for themselves, often one that deviates from the artist’s intended purpose but is no less immportant, or click on the picture, taking them to a link that provides the much-desired context but also isolates the photograph, removing it from the overall narrative that is erdmanart.
This is a parallel to how we as humans experience life. Our timelines are comprimised of image after image, connected only through the greater scheme that is the human experience. Yet we cannot see this. Our images are strung together by a greater thread, yes, but we cannot see what it is, much as one cannot see the descriptions that give context and meaning to the photographs on our blog. In life, as in the viewing of this blog, one must create meaning for themself, deciding independently of any “true” meaning the importance of their experience. Once one decides on what meaning they see in their experiences, they are limited to a specific view rather than able to interpret life in an infinite amount of ways, much like clicking on a specific photograph takes the viewer to a specific, limited experience. Life, like our theme, is without a clear meaning, and when meaning is finally generated it is limiting, so is it truly worth it? That is for each person to decide for themselves.
“One day, quite some time ago, I happened on a photograph of Napoleon’s youngest brother, Jerome, taken in 1852. And I realized then, with an amazement I have not been able to lessen since: ‘I am looking at eyes that looked at the Emperor.’ Sometimes I would mention this amazement, but since no one seemed to share it, nor even to understand it (life consists of these little touches of solitude), I forgot about it” (Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida).
