The truth of photographic images has been challenged since the 19th century when the means for making them were invented. While the medium was embraced by the public at large, photographers have continued to grapple with the methods and techniques available to them, experimenting with technologies as they emerged and discovering the capacity of the medium to represent the world they experienced.
 
Photographs are inherently subjective in the ways in which they are made and perceived. There is no absolute truth in the photographic image. Photographers frame the reality that they see, whether the process is spontaneous or planned.

The truth of photography relies not only on the integrity of the image, but on its context and accessibility.

VIEWING TRUTH IN PHOTOGRAPHY

The themes can be viewed in sequence or in whichever order the viewer chooses. Select a theme from the menu bar at the top of the page, or click one of the buttons below.​​

FOCUS

Focus highlights photographers, organizations, and issues crucial to our understanding and questioning of Truth in Photography.

MOTHER LAND
Anya Tsaruk

When her mother was forced to flee Ukraine, Anya Tsaruk's relationship with her changed quickly. Tsaruk photographed the complications and growth that occurred after her mother started living with her in Berlin.

THE CONTRARIAN PHOTOGRAPHER
​Thomas Dworzak

Magnum photographer Thomas Dworzak became interested in combat photojournalism when he was a teenager. He talks about how his commitment to photography has evolved over the years, even as he has moved away from documenting combat.

FACE TO FACE

The International Center of Photography's exhibition, Face to Face: Portraits of Artists by Tacita Dean, Brigitte Lacombe and Catherine Opie (running January 27–May 01, 2023), was organized by renowned writer and curator Helen Molesworth. All three artists are featured in Words Without Photos, a sound installation by Alan Govenar in the Soho stairwell of the ICP. For this edition, Truth in Photography presents the unique perspectives of Tacita Dean and Catherine Opie on portraiture and the image.

PORTRAIT FILMS
Tacita Dean

Tacita Dean creates films that are studies of time and everyday life as it unfolds before the camera. The 16mm films included in the ICP's exhibition are Dean's intimate portrayals of artists David Hockney, Luchita Hurtado, and Julie Mehretu.

SHARED MOMENTS
Catherine Opie

Photographer Catherine Opie's portraits have evolved over the years since she first began making them as a child. Opie discusses the different ways she makes portraits, from shared moments to bearing witness.
Copyright © 2023 Documentary Arts, Inc.