Know Your Place - Esther Cho Photography
In Confucian thinking there are 3 concepts in ethics. Ren - the idea that compassion or love much underpin all ethical decisions. Essentially the ideal that “do unto others as they you would have them do to you” will yield the most just relationships. But of course in practice this is quite complex. Li - the concept of a “right way” and deference to society and obligations. That the greater good of society and family rule over the wishes of the individual. Again an idealistic concept that deference to the authority of a wider goal will ultimately lead to a more just society. And of course, in practice, much more complex than in statement. And finally Wu Lun - The 5 cardinal relationships that tie these together.
Ruler and Subject
Father and Son
Elder and Younger Brother
Husband and Wife
Between Friends
Observation of the obligations between each relationship form a cornerstone of a peaceful society. Unsurprisingly women are not mentioned, other than duty of a wife to her husband - in a society that practiced polygamy. Women, essentially, are not part of this structure. And in its harshest interpretation seem to be thought of more of as property than individual. Confucianism has a dominant influence in Eastern Asian cultures, including Korea’s. Having no room for women in a core belief system has its effects.
I met Esther when she attended a photography show I put on through Perspectives YYC. When she heard I was building a magazine she immediately volunteered to help out and ultimately submitted an incredible and personal reflection on grief and her own identity. It was amazing and, if you can find a copy of the first issue of the Perspectives YYC magazine, you’ll see what I saw: Esther Cho.
Her latest artistic project really caught my eye.. At a glance it struck me as a comment on the Korean female experience: specifically their lower social and caste status. I am sensitive to this being Korean myself. While the use of “caste” is severe, the Neo-confucian structure of Korean culture remains a powerful influence even in modern times. There is a hierarchy in Korean culture; a duty to observe the five cardinal relationships. Rank, gender, age. Young women occupy the lowest priority in a family structure. So I knew I had to speak with her and she graciously lent me some time. Here’s our chat about her work and the influence photography has on both informing her idea of what it is to be a woman and it’s use in expressing that to others.
How has photography influenced your relationship with your culture. Or vice versa: has your culture influenced your photography? Do you have projects or imagery to share?
Send me a comment. Send me an email or a link to your work. Maybe we can talk about it “on air”.
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Is photography telling us, through pictures, what we should aspire to? Is this a dangerous power? Or is photography a benign process and any misguidance in the use of photography the sole responsibility of the medium through which it is presented. For example, in news or advertising or propaganda? As a photographer, should I be conscious of where I stand in this relationship?