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Little Fragmentology of Photography

Michalis Valaouris

From the Journal: Rundbrief Fotografie

Published online:

2. September 2026

Abstract

This essay examines modalities of fragmentation in photography: from fissures and fractures to the splitting of photos and dispersals of series. Fragmentations may occur in photography either by accidental damages or intentionally when photographs were cut off or when series or holdings were dissolved. Such parts of previous wholes might end up in several archives, often losing their original contexts. This text proposes a fragmentology of photography as a critical approach to the fragmentary character of photographs as historical sources. Aesthetic and material similarities become then crucial indicators for identifying related or connected fragments of photographs, series or photo albums within the same or several archives. The article analyzes exemplary cases across various archives and discusses difficulties associated with such reconstructions.

Other articles in this issue:

Rundbrief Fotografie Issues

Volume 33 (2026)
Volume 32 (2025)
Volume 31 (2024)
Volume 30 (2023)
Volume 29 (2022)

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