Jeff Wall's "Liquid Intelligence"

In this reading Jeff Wall outlines the two main forces at work in photography through both metaphorical and theoretical representations.  These two forces are labeled as "dry" and "wet" or more specifically in terms of the latter "liquid."
The "wet" or "liquid" force is represented in photographs through mainly natural forms.  These forms, although difficult to describe in words, can be seen in photographs and as they are seen they can bring forth other meanings within the work.  This "liquid intelligence of nature" can also be understood through the actual process of making a photographs.  The liquid, water, is used in a controlled way to bring forth the image on paper.  It is through water that photography is connected to the past and all other associations of water processes.
In opposition with the "liquid intelligence" but also in connection with it through photography, is the "dry" nature of technology.  The "dry" can be seen literally in the use of the mechanical- the opening and closing of the shutter in a camera and all of the optics and mechanics that exist within it.  The technical views natural forms in a "cool" way, without feeling, which then allows for self-reflection of the form to take place.
These two forces described show the ability of the mechanical to record the natural through the aide of "liquid" in order to preserve the latter.  This can also be understood as what was once the underlying problem with the institution of photography- the distinction between the technical and ecological in regards to nature.
These are the things that balanced out photography for a long while.  Then entered the digital and the removal or displacement of water, causing the "dry" to take over. While Jeff Wall actually does state that "...this is neither good nor bad necessarily" he does note that this will cause the "generation of electricity" to take over and the historical referencing that once occurred in photography to end.  The mechanical has entered fully with its cool gaze, and thus has reduced the natural in photography, for better or for worse.

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