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9781789381566

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Toister presents a theory of photography that goes beyond the analog image into the realm of media arts and computation. Well versed in the literature of photography, Toister provides a good inroad to the topic, one with a unique spin. Basing his recalibration on the paradigm shift concept articulated by Thomas Kuhn (1922-96) in 1962 and the writings of the Czech-born media philosopher Vilem Flusser (1920-91), Toister articulates a 'photography-postphotography' theory of the medium. Dismissing the traditional emphasis on the unique sensibility of the photographer as protagonist, Toister considers extant histories of photography, e.g., Beaumont Newhall's, as a 'carefully constructed work of fiction' (p. 108). . . . Well documented and clearly argued, this book outlines a theoretical bridge between the image made of light and the image made of data, and presents a serious challenge to the rich and compelling history of the analog medium. . . . Recommended. -- CHOICE

While the contribution of this book to the field of photography theory/philosophy is clear, it is its contribution to the adjacent discipline of design theory which should be noted. The classic example would be the book's contribution to the now well discussed debate between art history and visual culture. The book's main thesis, alluding to the transition from pre-photography (the analogue world) to photography (the digital, algorithmic and computational) is highly innovative and could contribute to design-oriented disciplines. While still an emerging discipline, design theory often relies heavily on adjacent disciplines, such as visual or material culture. Crucially, this book could illuminate an interesting approach to research from our field. . . . Those that will pick up this volume will enjoy a plethora of disciplines, ideas, and points for reflection. -- Jonathan Ventura * The Design Journal * Toister presents a theory of photography that goes beyond the analog image into the realm of media arts and computation. Well versed in the literature of photography, Toister provides a good inroad to the topic, one with a unique spin. Basing his recalibration on the paradigm shift concept articulated by Thomas Kuhn (1922-96) in 1962 and the writings of the Czech-born media philosopher Vilem Flusser (1920-91), Toister articulates a 'photography-postphotography' theory of the medium. Dismissing the traditional emphasis on the unique sensibility of the photographer as protagonist, Toister considers extant histories of photography, e.g., Beaumont Newhall's, as a 'carefully constructed work of fiction' (p. 108). . . . Well documented and clearly argued, this book outlines a theoretical bridge between the image made of light and the image made of data, and presents a serious challenge to the rich and compelling history of the analog medium. . . . Recommended. * CHOICE *

'Toister presents a theory of photography that goes beyond the analog image into the realm of media arts and computation. Well versed in the literature of photography, Toister provides a good inroad to the topic, one with a unique spin. Basing his recalibration on the paradigm shift concept articulated by Thomas Kuhn (1922-96) in 1962 and the writings of the Czech-born media philosopher Vilem Flusser (1920-91), Toister articulates a 'photography-postphotography' theory of the medium. Dismissing the traditional emphasis on the unique sensibility of the photographer as protagonist, Toister considers extant histories of photography, e.g., Beaumont Newhall's, as a 'carefully constructed work of fiction' (p. 108). . . . Well documented and clearly argued, this book outlines a theoretical bridge between the image made of light and the image made of data, and presents a serious challenge to the rich and compelling history of the analog medium. . . . Recommended.' -- CHOICE 'Toister's exposition of his position is quite remarkable. The author's ability to explicate ideas means that the trajectory is clearly marked out [...], the documentation is absolutely scrupulous, the examples given (including images) are entirely germane and the argument is skilfully presented.' -- John Lechte, Philosophy of Photography 'While the contribution of this book to the field of photography theory/philosophy is clear, it is its contribution to the adjacent discipline of design theory which should be noted. The classic example would be the book's contribution to the now well discussed debate between art history and visual culture. The book's main thesis, alluding to the transition from pre-photography (the analogue world) to photography (the digital, algorithmic and computational) is highly innovative and could contribute to design-oriented disciplines. While still an emerging discipline, design theory often relies heavily on adjacent disciplines, such as visual or material culture. Crucially, this book could illuminate an interesting approach to research from our field.[...] Those that will pick up this volume will enjoy a plethora of disciplines, ideas, and points for reflection.' -- Jonathan Ventura, The Design Journal

Toister presents a theory of photography that goes beyond the analog image into the realm of media arts and computation. Well versed in the literature of photography, Toister provides a good inroad to the topic, one with a unique spin. Basing his recalibration on the paradigm shift concept articulated by Thomas Kuhn (1922-96) in 1962 and the writings of the Czech-born media philosopher Vilem Flusser (1920-91), Toister articulates a 'photography-postphotography' theory of the medium. Dismissing the traditional emphasis on the unique sensibility of the photographer as protagonist, Toister considers extant histories of photography, e.g., Beaumont Newhall's, as a 'carefully constructed work of fiction' (p. 108). . . . Well documented and clearly argued, this book outlines a theoretical bridge between the image made of light and the image made of data, and presents a serious challenge to the rich and compelling history of the analog medium. . . . Recommended. * CHOICE *

Author Information

Yanai Toister (Ph.D.) is an artist, curator and educator. Toister serves as associate professor and director of the Unit for History and Philosophy at Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art in Tel Aviv. Toister’s artworks have been shown in numerous solo and group exhibitions (including Sandroni.Rey, Los Angeles; Dvir Gallery, Tel Aviv; Kunstahalle Luzern, Switzerland; Bolsky Gallery, Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles; Maison Europèenne de la Photographie, Paris; the 11th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale; Kunstmuseen Krefeld, Haus Lange, Krefeld, Germany; Israel Museum). Toister’s writing has been published in various catalogues and journals (including Digital Creativity; Flusser Studies; journal of Visual Art practice; Journal of Science and Technology of the Arts; Philosophy of Photography; Photographies). Toister’s book Photography from the Turin Shroud to the Turing Machine has been published by Intellect/University of Chicago Press.

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