Abstract
This paper considers possible applications of Raymond Williams’ (1921-1988) concept of a ‘structure of feeling’ and his wider ideas on realism to the ‘expanded’ practice of documentary photography.
Williams’ willingness to engage with writers and thinkers from a wide political field were formative in developing his ideas on representing society. He argued that the true complexity of ‘feeling’ can only be seen through a close engagement with personal, collective and political experiences as ‘lived’. In 1977’s Marxism and Literature, Williams explained the idea thus “Feeling is chosen to emphasize a distinction from more formal concepts of 'world view' or 'ideology'… we are concerned with meanings and values that are actively lived and felt, and the relations between these and formal or systematic beliefs”
In this light, my research project exploring the cultural politics of the south Wales Valleys (UK) finds surprising connections with the USA in the remarkable untold story of the ‘pseudo-masonic’ order Loyal Order of Moose (LOOM).
Williams’ willingness to engage with writers and thinkers from a wide political field were formative in developing his ideas on representing society. He argued that the true complexity of ‘feeling’ can only be seen through a close engagement with personal, collective and political experiences as ‘lived’. In 1977’s Marxism and Literature, Williams explained the idea thus “Feeling is chosen to emphasize a distinction from more formal concepts of 'world view' or 'ideology'… we are concerned with meanings and values that are actively lived and felt, and the relations between these and formal or systematic beliefs”
In this light, my research project exploring the cultural politics of the south Wales Valleys (UK) finds surprising connections with the USA in the remarkable untold story of the ‘pseudo-masonic’ order Loyal Order of Moose (LOOM).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 20 Jul 2017 |
| Event | The Association for Photography in Higher Education Summer Conference 2017: Human Interfaces - Norwich University of the Arts Duke Street Building Duke Street Norwich NR3 3AJ, Norwich, United Kingdom Duration: 19 Jul 2017 → 21 Jul 2017 http://aphe.ac.uk/humaninterfaces/ |
Conference
| Conference | The Association for Photography in Higher Education Summer Conference 2017 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Norwich |
| Period | 19/07/17 → 21/07/17 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- photography
- Wales
- community