Side dishes on the Exhibtion's main courses

While I was in the photog room today, Ms Koh mentioned something that kinda got me thinking; actually more of I already though of it, but it refreshed my memory. She mentioned that we should not have too many repetitions of the same "type" of photos in our exhbition to allow for more "variety". What she says has a point and I have to admit having same "type" of photos reduces "variety" to a certain extent; where "type" of photo refers to photos having the same content e.g. the S'pore Flyer and joss sticks to name a few

However, if you ask me, I think the issue on "type" and "variety" isn't really an issue if you look at it from a different perspective. Firstly, photos of the same "type" do not necessarly result in less "variety". Taking the S'pore flyer photo as an example - if you have seen the pictures before, you would agree the composition is almost exactly the same, however, its final rendition is unique to their respective photographers. Personally, when it comes down to looking at photos with same content, it really isn't about the content anymore, it becomes more about the differences of the rendition, what it portrays - what kind of feel, touch and mood it gives to the viewer. This allows for the photographer to express his/her opinion/story to the viewer and allows the viewer to see different perspectives, giving choice and interaction.

Let's do a simple analysis to show the point:

The darker rendition of the flyer focuses much more on tonalities. Its kinda like playing with saturated colours except in BW. The side vignetting and strong contrast, draws the viewer to the flyer itself, allowing it to be the main focus, bringing out the beauty of the flyer. This kind of style aims to put the punch into the photo, kinda like a sugar rush.

The lighter rendition of the flyer, is more subtile, more plain. Upon the first glance, the flyer itself being darker, draws attention. However, because of the white fade out, the viewer is then "led out" of the picture. Such an effect, gives the whole picture a dreamy touch and leads the viewer to wonder more about the picture. Contary to the above mention style, this is less sweet, but promotes more thought.

After looking at both, (if you have seen them, that is the case) you must agree with me that both are equally good photos. If such is the case, how is it possible to showcase either picture fairly? They are both are similar, yet contrasting at the same time.

Its kinda like listening to the same piece of classical music played by different symphonies arranged by different conductors. If you ask me, its kinda like promoting higher order thinking in an exhibition.

I think this is an issue that haunts most selection commitees. Most of the time, I reckon, they would just choose either one, but is such a selection fair to the photographers? Or if I take it a further step, is it even fair to the viewers who are then restricted by choice of the selection commitee?

I was thinking, perhaps we should have an exhbition that is based on this principle... It would be quite interesting to see what it would come up with. Haha..