Why Photography Matters as Art as Never Before

Michael Fried's book, Why Photography Matters as Art as Never Before, explores photography's evolving role in the art world. Fried, a prominent art critic, is known for his theoretical work, particularly his critique of minimalist art and his championing of formalist art.12

Historically, photography was sometimes dismissed as a mechanical art due to its reliance on technology. However, Fried argues that photography possesses unique aesthetic capabilities. The immediacy of the photographic process, where the image is recorded by a lens, lends it a sense of authenticity.3

Fried's work suggests that photography's significance as art has grown, particularly with advancements like digital manipulation, which challenge traditional notions of photographic truth. This evolving nature allows photography to be a powerful medium for artistic expression, distinct from but comparable to other art forms.435