Theory Research- Introduction to cultural studies, Aleida Assman

This book, written by Aleida Assman, is an introduction to the concept of culture and the complexity of defining cultural identity. I chose to analyse this book because I am exploring the theme of Englishness and how cultural identity is reflected in photography.

"It's aim is to illuminate an historical life-world in it's context, to gain a better understanding of the mysterious processes of cultural transmission". Pg 19

This quote examines the process of which objects communicate cultural identity, through signification. The historical factor is important and can be shown alongside modern meanings and interpretations. The book's first chapter is about how sign systems create these meanings of the identity of the subject. This chapter helps me understand the connotations and deeper meanings of my chosen topic of the B&B. I believe that the B&B can have a number of historical narratives attached to it that can help the audience undertand it's cultural significance.

Chapter 2 Media, has given me an opportunity to reflect on my own role within photography. It discusses how different art forms, includng photography and film, can be used to show cultural identity. They call this 'Cultural transmission'. Therefore my photographs are important in communicating the idea of historical culture within England.

"The medium through which some kind of mental existence becomes graspable and comprehensible". Pg 55

As you can see from this quote photography can help the audience to understand the idea of identity. This makes the concept of culture more accessible to the audience. Within my photography I am going to try and display the idea of cultural identity through capturing historical aspects of Englishness.

Overview

Overall, this book has been a difficult read but an interesting introduction to cultural studies. The most useful chapter was 'Media' because it connected the use of theory to my photography practice. From reading this book I feel that I have taken on board how to capture objects that reflect cultural identity, and that all objects can be signs of specific cultural identity. I believe that when completing my photoshoots I will be concentrating on looking for objects that I think represent the English culture and show human identity. This idea of cultural identity has definately broadened my view on how to capture Englighness because the book has taught me to look beyond the theme.

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