After reading "Photography's Discursive Spaces," I was incredibly frustrated. The author's use of  comparisons between photography and painting and scientific versus aesthetic made it difficult for me to see her point of view. I think that the act of comparison within the art world is a huge problem. Comparison seems to open the door for the potential to make the assumption that all art is on the same level for every person and therefore a comparison between photography and painting is no different than a comparison between architecture and music.

Recognize this?

Sure, it's Dorthea Lange's Migrant Mother (1936), an iconic image of the Great Depression that appeared in newspapers nationwide. 

I must admit, photography is an artistic medium that I never quite had the best understanding of. With painting or performance or music it's irrefutable that the effort that goes into these works requires a motive, an agenda to express a certain idea. But, by pressing a button to snap a picture, I didn't find it as straight-forward. To me, a picture in a gallery put side by side with a picture that had no artistic implication looked the same. Until I attended the John Wood exhibit at the International Center of Photography.

Having the opportunity to visit the Photography Museum yesterday was truly a great experience to view “art” in a different form other than drawing and paintings. The day started out a bit complicated for me because I didn’t receive my cultural passport yet. The ticket lady gave me a hard time, but eventually, I was able to pass through because of the kind security guard. After entering the exhibit, I explored around the exhibit with a couple of classmates and realized the art that was contained in all of the photos around.