Diorama - Smoker, (early 21st century)

Another photo from you that made me laugh - although (or because!) the poor artificial panda is so lost in this scene where nature steps aside and opens the view into the abyss of a man made world.

Wolfgang - When I was a kid in San Francisco, all the museums in Golden Gate Park were free so I was a frequent visitor. Among the many exhibition buildings was the African Hall which featured dioramas of stuffed wildlife (lions, jackals, gazelles, etc) in carefully arranged environmental settings with beautifully painted backdrops. That's what this picture reminded me of. Nowadays, here in Osaka, there are certain areas where smokers - those endangered social outcasts of modern society - are allowed to gather to practice their arcane rituals. This little park is one such area. The practices of society and culture seem increasingly odd to me in my old age. I think the panda may be a stand in for myself, bemused, irrelevant and a little apart from things. He must be thinking to himself "the children. Where are the children?". Anyway, thanks for the comment. I'm afraid this picture didn't get that much attention but glad you liked it. One comment from you is worth 100 "admires".

Hi Jack,

 

a diorama indeed! I have already read your eloquent response to Wolfgang's comment, so I have the best possible instructions to comprehend this photo, that was quite puzzling at first sight. I very much like the straightness of the incredibly ugly urban setting as a backdrop for the almost equally bewildering 90 degree angle in which these two men appear in it. Your identification with the panda is the 'icing on the cake'. Kind regards, Vincent

... human end line, in one sense ... hi

Jack, many thanks for your reply - I feel truly honoured. I can imagine,that this photo may not attract many viewers from a quick glance at its thumbnail because it does not immediately reveal it's secrets - the viewer has to take a little effort to understand what's going on between all the "actors" but is rewarded with a story that goes far beyond the mere sum of the visual elements.

Just great Jack, I loved reading your response to Wolfgangs very good comment. Couldn't agree more. I'm going to hold on to this one for a while and throw it into my faves.............Holger