This text discusses the principles that have shaped the photographic practice of Susan Meiselas. Meiselas believes that the frontline in photography is not just a geographical space, but also a representation of conflicts that exist in our own homes and minds. She has spent her career creating work that goes beyond the photograph itself, aiming to forge connections and understanding. Collaboration is a key aspect of her approach, as she involves her subjects throughout the creative process. Meiselas has worked on various projects, from documenting strippers to distributing books in Kurdistan, always striving to create meaningful narratives and engage with communities.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photographic practice shaped by principles | Shift from individual-focused to collaborative storytelling | Increased emphasis on collaboration and community engagement | Desire to go beyond personal stories and create wider narratives |
| Frontline in photography redefined | Frontline represents conflict in various contexts | Increased recognition of conflicts within homes and minds | Desire to challenge traditional notions of conflict zones |
| Photograph as a starting point for larger narratives | Shift from singular focus on photograph to broader storytelling | Greater emphasis on constructing larger narratives beyond personal stories | Desire to create deeper connections and understanding |
| Revealing private moments in portraiture | Collaborative approach in portraiture | Greater focus on revealing private moments and capturing a moment | Desire to avoid focus on the photographer and be a collaborator with the subject |
| Collaboration between photographer and subject | Collaboration extends beyond photograph | Continued relationship between photographer and subject post-photograph | Desire to involve subjects in the creative process and give them a voice |
| Returning and giving back in photography | Focus on giving back to communities documented | Continued efforts to distribute and share photographs with communities | Desire to complete the cycle of generosity and preserve history |