[Leica] Photographer of the Century

[Bill Caldwell <sneeker@erols.com>]

Well written comment --

Donal Philby wrote:

> I've contemplated this subject some and have a real problem even with
> the consideration.  It comes down to this:  each artist has unique
> vision, but a vision influenced by culture, experience, etc.  There can
> be no "best."  We are enriched by so many view points.  To select one
> viewpoint is to miss the point of art for the viewer:  to open our eyes
> and mind and heart.  Maybe that is a little strong, but consider just
> whose vision you would allow as a censor to be the one, the best, the
> only, to the elimination of all the rest.  Given my Taoist inclinations,
> the thought of singling out one photographer is like deciding what is
> the best herb and throwing away the rest.
> 
> Ken Heyman's photos touch the simple human experience in me, Errnst Haas
> stirs the fires of wonder at the beauty of the world, Eugene Richards
> shows me worlds of suffering, Salgado demonstrates how we can have
> dignity no matter the circumstances of our lives, Kertez reminds me of
> the simple magic of life that surrounds us, Emil Schultheiss showed the
> glory of human accomplishments, and Werner Bischof showed us the
> elegance of everyday life, and Hiro the often unobserved beauty  of
> everyday objects.
> 
> Is there one writer of the century?  One painter, filmmaker, reporter,
> musician?  We live in context.  We produce in context.   We are all part
> of a continuum.
> 
> We are blessed to have a medium that kindles our passions--both as
> observer and as artist.  That is enough.  Embrace the diversity.
> 
> donal
> __________
> Donal Philby
> San Diego
> www.donalphilby.com