Representing Disability & Disfigurement: Modes of Representation in Nina Berman's Photographs

Abstract

This paper focuses on modes of representation of people with disabilities in documentary photography. The paper begins with a brief description of the modes of representation following the typology provided by GarlandThomson, and then proceeds to an analysis of how at least three of these modes apply to the work of Nina Berman, contemporary American photographer. The paper argues that the images presented by Berman need to be read as a complex rendering of various modes of representation. Specifically, the paper focuses on an analysis of images from the series Marine Wedding. Through a discussion of several images, the paper argues that Berman’s counter-hegemonic anti-war message is advanced at the expense of hegemonic portrayals of people with disabilities.

Keywords

Photography, Nina Berman, war, disability, veterans, modes of representation