Curtis vs. Neidich

Edward Curtis
When J. P. Morgan called for Curtis to produce a photographical series of the North American Indian, he took his mission very seriously. His motive was evident very early on, "The information that is to be gathered ... respecting the mode of life of one of the great races of mankind, must be collected at once or the opportunity will be lost". This quote on Curtis's appeared as an introduction to his first volume of The North American Indian. From the information I have gathered on Edward Curtis, I feel he felt that he was preserving history. During this time period, most people knew nothing about the natives whose land they were living on. Historical record of Native Americans simply was not kept. As a result of this, I feel Curtis''s merit begins to lesson. Since his photographs would be many peoples first impression of Native Americans, he wanted to produce images they would not forget. This accounts for the staging of photographs and the reason why he got a lot of Native American history wrong. Curtis was trying to appeal to his viewers nostalgia and personal memory, meaning, what they "thought" Indians should look like, not neccesarily the truth. Edward Curtis set out to preserve history, but along the way, he ended up doing the Native Americans a disservice. (unintentionally)
Neidich
Warren Neidich can be described as counter-Curtis. His motive is to describe and show us (the public) how photography can generate our ideas about history. His research/work with the O.J. Simpson trial cannot be denied. He argues that the role of today's media has changed. He states that it has transformed from a presentor of news into a producer of entertainment. With it may not be entirely 100 percent correct, he all must admit there is some validity in his claims. All you have to do is turn on the T.V. He presents his photographs from a much different perspective when compared to Curtis. His photographs are not meant to stir up nostalgia or personal memory, but to try and correct these two phenomina that can often get clouded. His work shows us how the general public can easily be influenced by the media storm that often overwhelms us.
By looking at the photographs of both artists in class, and by viewing others online, I honestly didn't really enjoy either artists' work. It was obvious in both accounts that the photographs were staged. I don't think I would ever purchase either of their works. If I had to choose, I would probably say...Curtis, bases solely on the rustic appearence of his photos. I can see why his viewers were easily mislead.