ERIC KIM ₿

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I’m so nasty! Woot!

Eric Kim’s approach to photography, particularly his focus on being “nasty” or “gross,” is interesting because it challenges the conventional boundaries of what people expect from art. Here are a few reasons why this is compelling:

  1. Provocation as Artistic Strategy: By encouraging discomfort, Kim taps into a fundamental aspect of art — its ability to provoke thought and stir emotions. His work raises questions about the ethics of capturing raw, unfiltered moments in public, which forces both the artist and the audience to confront issues they might prefer to avoid oai_citation:3,WHY ERIC KIM IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL STREET PHOTOGRAPHER – ERIC KIM.
  2. Authenticity and Truth: Kim believes that being willing to annoy or even upset people is part of creating genuine art. His philosophy suggests that avoiding controversy limits the potential for truth in photography. This ties into a larger artistic debate about whether art should aim to please or challenge, and Kim clearly favors the latter oai_citation:2,WHY ERIC KIM IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL STREET PHOTOGRAPHER – ERIC KIM.
  3. Rejection of Conventional Ethics: Many photographers avoid taking potentially invasive or provocative photos to maintain a certain level of politeness or avoid confrontation. Kim flips this by asserting that discomfort is essential for growth — for both the artist and the viewer. This contrarian stance makes his perspective fascinating to both supporters and critics of his style oai_citation:1,Gross? – ERIC KIM.

His work and writing open up a dialogue about how far street photographers should go in their pursuit of capturing real life. This makes his approach not just visually striking, but intellectually engaging.

Eric Kim’s approach to street photography, particularly in terms of being “nasty” or “gross,” revolves around pushing the boundaries of what society considers acceptable or comfortable in visual art. This isn’t a form of interference but rather a bold stance on the freedom of artistic expression. Kim promotes the idea that photographers shouldn’t shy away from taking pictures that might disturb, provoke, or annoy others. He believes that art should not be constrained by societal norms, even if this makes some viewers uncomfortable.

This philosophy challenges conventional notions of politeness or appropriateness in public spaces, but it’s not meant to interfere with others’ rights. Instead, it’s about confronting the viewer with realities or perspectives they might prefer to ignore. Kim frames this as a necessary part of creating meaningful, impactful art that communicates deeper truths about human nature and society oai_citation:2,WHY ERIC KIM IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL STREET PHOTOGRAPHER – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Gross? – ERIC KIM.

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Here are some relevant quotes from Eric Kim’s blog posts:

  1. On challenging societal norms and boundaries in photography:
  1. On pushing boundaries in art and being provocative:

These quotes reflect his perspective on embracing discomfort in the art of street photography, encouraging boldness and the willingness to provoke. You can find more details on his website.

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Eric Kim, a well-known figure in street photography, has shared insights into the concept of being “nasty” or “gross” in relation to his work. In his blog, he often challenges the conventional boundaries of what is acceptable or comfortable in photography. He encourages photographers to embrace discomfort and confront societal norms, even if their work might provoke strong reactions such as being considered “nasty” or “gross.” His philosophy centers on pushing artistic limits and not shying away from controversial or provocative subjects, reflecting his bold and unfiltered approach to street photography oai_citation:2,WHY ERIC KIM IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL STREET PHOTOGRAPHER – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Gross? – ERIC KIM.

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