Steve Mccurry Visual Storytelling Versus Photojournalism

Photographer Steve McCurry once stated, “A picture can express a universal humanism, or simply reveal a delicate and poignant truth by exposing a slice of life that might otherwise pass unnoticed” (Photoquotes, n.d). Museum education opens the door to a world offering visual insight and an aesthetic experience. People are able to travel without a passport or visa, exploring art from around the world, viewing ancient artifacts, and contemporary artists artwork under one roof. What is museum education? Why is museum education significant? This paper attempts to understand how a museum can create an environment that leaves the patron visually literate so that they can grasp what they see in front of them. In addition, answer the question posed by Danielle Rice (1988), “What is visual literacy? What type …show more content…
I aim to do discuss the difference between McCurry’s visual storytelling versus photojournalism. In order to understand how to read a photograph, this essay will unpack the meaning of visual literacy. Visual literacy is defined in three-folds: first the process of sending and receiving messages using images; the ability to construct meaning from visual images; and lastly, combined literacies in a multi-media world (Toledo Museum (N.D.); Ravas, & Stark 2012). In other words, visual literacy in the museum enables the audience to interpret visual images by examining the social impact, discuss their purpose, and visualize internally leaving them with a sense of empowerment to understand any works of art. My objective is to promote the museum as an educational experience for all their adult guests, not just a day of gazing at the artwork. I argue if museums use visual literacy techniques as a form of communication, then the guest will interpret the visual storytelling through