Mercy, Pity, Peace or Love

Or fear or loathing or...... Great image for a Rorschach test. But then you knew that.

 

Very intriguing. I'm going to ponder it some.

I thought this was just crazy enough to post, dredging the bottom of my creative pool. I anticipate that this will be a photographic lead balloon, but I rather liked it. Thanks for your graciousness.

Jeff, it's good you uploaded the image. Though the figures look like apparition, the composition and presentation is definitely original and has an aesthetic appeal. Images like these are more appreciated and properly evaluated by experts of Museum of Modern Art, than tyro, like me.

A thought provoking composition that should be viewed larger. The blurred figures allow us the freedom to interpret the scene and create our version of the story. It would be interesting to read the thoughts of other members. The character on the left appears to be bound with the hands on the back implying submission, which could be either voluntary or forced. Perhaps most people would interpret the right figure as Jesus or someone benevolent. To me it appears hooded and might as well represent dead - the ultimate fate that every mortal surrenders to.

I'd be curious to hear why you'd think it would be received like a lead balloon.

 

For me, it has a compelling ghostly quality, and seems to express something essential about a relationship. Whether that relationship is between parent and child or just of more universal concern doesn't matter that much to me, though various thoughts occur to me. It's as much a formal, compositional sense of relationship as a more intangible sense of it. When it is viewed larger, which all of our photos should be because of PN compression degrading or images, I have more of a sense of the subtle lighting and depth of the background and how even those amorphous shapes relate to the main subjects.

 

I'm curious to know how the blur was done. When I do view larger, I see that the blur is somewhat created by what seems to be quite distinct radiating bands. I know you used a Holga now and then and probably have other means of achieving blurs and, as I have a current interest in that, would love to know what you did here. More and more, my eye is adjusting to figuring out how things were accomplished, but I've got a ways to go. Sometimes, even the most experienced eye can't tell these days. To be honest, I actually find those bands distracting at least when I first notice them. Perhaps you wanted them specifically or perhaps they are native to whatever method you used here. If you wouldn't mind discussing the method, I'd find it interesting.

 

Thanks.

A.K.: I daresay that you have as much to say and sometimes more to say than most proclaimed art critics, and I'm always delighted to hear your thoughts.

 

 

Adan: I went back and forth about whether this was a comforting or disturbing image. I took the title from a line in a Blake poem, believing that it was open for interpretation. Thanks.

 

 

Fred: This photo is a salvaged mistake. It's a picture of a statue, Madonna and child, from Notre Dame, now almost three years old. As best I could, I tried to take shots without a tripod or flash, and most didn't make the cut, including this one. This morning I was looking through some old RAW files and noticed this shot. The figures were ghostly shapes, dark, very noisy, and almost indistinguishable from the background. I boosted the contrast and selected the background, which was blurred and darkened. I then selected the figures using the "select color" function and blurred them. I retained the selection and filled it with a lighter color of sepia, then pushed back the opacity to restore some of the original detail. I used a bit of radial blur from the center, subsequently dialed back, to omit some lingering detail and color noise. I usually don't dabble quite so much with my shots, but I thought this one had something to say, if only as the remnants of a haunting. I thought that most people would respond to this in a "what the ...?" or as trying too hard.

Excellent. I like that you have the subject centered with nothingness all around it. For me, this photograph represents nurturing, the essence of nurturing. Bravo!

I think this comes from your long-exposure to the Bible, especially the Old Testament as you were growing up. The figures seem allegorical and engaged in some sort of meaningful activity. The photo provides enough information to engage our imagination and thus we become co-creators of the drama implied in the scene.

This aint bad if it's from the bottom of your creative pool. Very intriguing and provocative. If I were asked, I'd go with either, mercy or love.

Hi Jeff. Once again i have been drawn in by one of your experiments. Even before opening it larger i was impressed with this image. It had the feel of a religious icon hologram, with amazing depth for the limited palette and subject matter. Very Effective. Then when i enlarged it, i was in awe.I browse PN for these moments of insight. This is the first time that i wanted to imitate a technique or style that i found here.

When you speak of this photo having something to say i am assuming that you are referring to the unsalvaged image...(the final obviously has something to say)? If so, i can empathize with that since i have a large collection of images that remind me of this one that i have left unattended but not abandoned.

I have seen other work this reminds me of but I never made this kind of use of it.

You have been doing some exciting work.

Thanks for opening the door Jeff. I will enjoy exploring your lead.

And i will always give you the credit for this insight. josh

Before opening it, I was sure its going to be an amazing composition. And surely you have been succeded to creat an outstanding effects through this fantastic presentation. Just two misty figure, and thus the strength of it. All the best. Rgds.

Quite interesting and original composition, Jeff. The scene, colors and atmosphere are unique. Excellent work! Best regards!

Jeanne: Nurturing. What a necessary word.

 

 

Jack: You can take the boy out of the Bible belt, but you can't scare the hell out of him. I have images of miracles, burning bushes, fire falling out of heaven, and angels ascending on ladders. Baptists, however, don't allow any icons, so statues of saints and such were never part of my upbringing. I'm still in awe when I enter cathedrals, especially those I saw in Paris. My memories of church involve stiff-backed pews, shabby hymnals, a wooden altar for sinners, and the American flag.

 

 

Bob: Bottom of my barrel. I gotta get a new barrel. I've got barrel-distortion.

 

 

Josh: I think your description of this as a hologram is perfect. It's not a picture of something real, but something I want to be real. I think I have more fun in making my experiments than others have in viewing them. But thank God I don't have to earn a living on taking pictures and it can remain a fun distraction. I greatly appreciate your comment, which made me smile upon reading and rereading it.

 

 

Kaushik: Less is more sometimes, I suppose. Thanks.

 

 

David: Thanks for supporting these odd experiments of mine.

JeffS, before I read that this was an image of Madonna & Child I saw a frightening, shadowy image of a large intimidating figure standing over a small helpless figure. It seemed very sinister. As soon as I read your comment revealing that it was a Madonna & Child statue I could see it as a nurturing, gentle mother figure and child. Interesting! I guess what we see in images like this one reveals a bit of our subconcious. All the best, Linda

Interesting image. Here's a proposed alternative with slightly enhanced colors and a bit different framing. Plz let me know if you hate it, I'll then remove it. compliments -koushik

I understand what you say about cathedrals. Visiting churches and cathedrals is always a part of our sightseeing tours when our small family goes on a holiday. Whether small Roman churches or Gothic giants, it is always great to discover those architectural wonders that are part of our history.

 

About the picture, the contrast in feelings conveyed by the image and title here is striking.

Original, great colors.

 

Regards.

 

Alberto

Just back from vacation, and found this composition, so compelling, enigmatic, and ambiguous. what is it? looks a human and a dog, is it? I like the title that fits so nicely the possibilities . is it mercy,pity, peace or love.... I think I said, .....Enigmatic.( and found your name is changed too ;-)).....

i know i commented on this a few days ago.....makes me think of "Saturn Devouring His Young", even knowing this was a Madonna and Child. the smaller figure appears to be pulling away from the larger figure who appears to have a hold in his/her ear. to me a frightening work of art.

I've been watching to many crime shows. I thought this someone kneeling down, hands tied behind their back with the standing figure holding a gun to the kneeling one's head.

Lead balloon - who you kidding, you knew everyone would bite on this.

Nice work.

 

Kirk

Hello Jeff,

looks like a scene from a dream. Very original.

Amazing drama of light here and so well presented, this is very impressive photo , thank you my friend for sharing it and wishing you all of the best.

Linda D: The power of suggestion is amazing. When I read your comment, I could certainly see nefarious doings.

 

 

Koushik: I think it's a great alternative. Brighter and filling up more of the space, it creates more of a punch. Please don't remove it. Thanks.

 

 

Laurent: I grew up in the Midwest with more barns and factories than cathedrals. Imagine my surprise when I first saw one. Thanks.

 

 

Alberto: Thanks a bunch.

 

 

Pnina: I saw this as enigmatic and elusive. The name has changed, but the sentiment's the same. JeffS can still dish out the BS. Humbly....

 

 

Linda M: The longer I live with this, the less I see mother and child. At least the photo didn't insist that you interpret it the way I meant it. Interpretive wiggle room.

 

 

Kirk: Crime shows. Yeesh. I get enough of it during the day. No CSI for me, thank you very much. I'm all about rainbows and unicorns and lollipops and psychotropic meds.

 

 

Hasan: A dream, what a nice thought.

 

 

Rashad: Thanks for appreciating the drama. Grateful.

Feed the mind with tiny clues and watch it jump to gigantic conclusions.

That is what you have done with great success here.

My mind still rejects the facts you presented and believes in its own, sick, scenario!

Now i have a reason to continue this hobby, i've got to get me one of these...

If i see some violence there, should i get some help?

In the end, i like it a lot.