[David Brown]

In my experience - it can be difficult, if not impossible, to know how to respond to a photograph without understanding the intent of the artist.

In my experience, it is not that difficult, and entirely possible to know how to respond to a photograph without understanding the intent of the artist.

That being said, I saw Friedlander's show last year in Chicago and liked it. However, I reserve the right to not like something without being told I don't understand it. For one thing, it's an assumption that may not be true. Perhaps one does know the artist's intent, and still doesn't like it.

With all due respect ...