PUNCTUM

Punctum is a concept introduced by theorist Roland Barthes to describe the emotional or visceral impact a photograph has on an viewer. It refers to the small, unintentional details or moments within an image that suddenly "pierce" the observer’s feelings or perceptions, creating a personal and often unexpected connection. Unlike the broader context or content of a photo, the punctum is about how certain details evoke a powerful response, making the image memorable and uniquely meaningful to each individual. It highlights the subjective, emotional resonance that a photograph can trigger beyond its immediate visual information.