“The Third Eye. Understanding Raghubir Singh and Raghu Rai” is focussing on the work of two Indian photographers. The research revolves around the question whether the work of Raghubir Singh and...Show more“The Third Eye. Understanding Raghubir Singh and Raghu Rai” is focussing on the work of two Indian photographers. The research revolves around the question whether the work of Raghubir Singh and Raghu Rai contains specific cultural characteristics concerning the selection of subject matter and photographic genre. This involves the purpose of their work, the influence of visual culture, and the technical approach. Chapter One offers a description of specific features of Indian visual culture and perception in order to put Singh and Rai in context and outline their distinctive position as photographer. Elements from Indian spiritual life and arts are being connected to findings in neuroscience research related to perception of people. This concerns the question whether the photography by Raghubir Singh and Raghu Rai contains specific Indian visual and cultural elements. The work of Singh and Rai is varyingly described as street photography and documentary photography. In Chapter Two various definitions and descriptions of these genres are analysed and compared. Researched is if Singh and Rai have an approach that can be identified as either street or documentary photography. Both photographers once met and were inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson. Having determined the visual context and denominated the photographic genre of Raghubir Singh and Raghu Rai, Chapter Three investigates whether and how Cartier-Bresson influenced both photographers, in which the concept of the ‘decisive moment’ inevitably is a point of attention as well. The research indicates that Singh and Rai’s photographic work is authentic. They have adapted photographic genres developed in Western culture to suit the Indian context and the purpose of their work. The implications however are that not all viewers will perceive their work. Comprehension is dependent on the level of familiarity with Indian culture. Furthermore, researchers applying Western theories of photography should be aware of potential bias in these concepts. As specific Indian historical and comparative research and theorization regarding Indian photography is not yet initiated further research in this field is recommended.Show less
