Flou, une histoire photographique, Pauline Martin

Is a blurry photo considered a failed photograph?

In the realm of photography, blur is a dual-edged concept—it represents both the most fundamental mistake to avoid and a tremendously challenging artistic endeavor, occupying a unique space between a fundamental technical error and an artistic aspiration.

Pauline Martin has ingeniously guided us on a journey through the annals of photography, examining it through the lens of blur, spanning from its inception to the contemporary era. Throughout this exploration, we will discern that the perception of blur has waxed and waned depending on the era—sometimes celebrated as a positive attribute, while at other times, derided as a negative flaw. Presented in a thematic and chronological progression, the showcased works chronicle the transformation of this artistic form, whose utility has continuously adapted to the ever-evolving landscape of photography, encompassing amateur, artistic, scientific, and documentary practices alike.

Delpire & Co / Photo Elysée, 2023
Text in French
Soft cover 
27.5 x 20 cm
336 pages
ISBN: 9791095821588