Modern Art

Too late, please justify this claim.

Im not being an arsehole, but this is my area of study so im genuinely interested in why you wouldn't class documentary photography as art.

With out sounding like i'm indulging in oneupmanship but I'm also studying in the area of art, and i totally agree it's very interesting. As i've said before, I believe art is subjective, but don't let that sweeping statement instantly make me sound credible. In answer to your question:

'Why wouldn't you class documentary photography as art?'

I'm not saying I wouldn't class documentary photography as art. All photography, by its nature appropriates reality which could be considered a document and my most recent series of work does just that. I'm saying that i personally wouldn't consider Mick Rock's images as 'art' because they tell a story more than they do express something transcendental than the form they are being presented in. Also on a knee-jerk reaction is to associate Mick Rock's images with NME more than lets say the tate.

He has created numerous iconic images, images that are now engraved into the rock'n'roll psyche... How is that not art? Hmmm?

'Iconic' is a definition influenced by personal preference, it's not objective. Our/your society may suggest that these images are engraved in our psyche, but so is the mc donalds logo.