Moving Day for the Olmecs

Reflected light from windows or glass facades has an own quality and it often bounces into nooks and alleys which do not see much sunlight. Here it acts as a stage light for the furniture while graffiti and echoing plumbing provides a great stage design. I just fear the play will rather enfold as a tradegy and end on a landfill :-)

Wolfgang - To say that I was disappointed in the response to this picture is putting it mildly. I'm pretty critical of my own work but I responded strongly and at once to this picture and essentially for the same reasons you stated in your very astute comment. I have always been fascinated by reflected light which can both gently illuminate and subtly transform the objects/people it illuminates. This picture has so far generated only one lonely comment but since it has come from you, I find that quite enough.

I'm struck by the juxtaposition of the sensual moulding of the furniture and the rich color palette against the industrial context of the location.

Don't know what, if any, meaning to ascribe to that; but that's probably the whole point. Celebration of seeing that is certainly reason enough to make the photo, and the superb execution makes it a good photo. Thanks for sharing,

Hi Jack,

 

even knowing the term Olmecs (or maybe because of) I find it hard to connect to your intention with this image. I like its lighting, composition and statement of getting rid of things that don't 'belong' anymore (helped by the surroundings of these objects), but I'm still feeling a bit more more puzzled than enlightened. If that's what you were after, you certainly succeeded, but I cannot shake the notion of not getting it. Kind regards, Vincent

Wayne, Vincent - Wouldn't you know it, just minutes after bemoaning to Wolfgang that this "masterpiece" hadn't received its due measure of attention, I get two long and thoughtful comments from you guys, proving once again that the universe does have a timely sense of humor and leaving me just a little chastened and embarrassed. Wayne - thanks for the comment. There really is no meaning to this picture; their seldom is with my pictures other than to say they reflect the ways I see things. Here I liked the rounded corners of the piled chairs which in a way echoed the rounded geometric corners of the wall graffiti. This leads me to Vincent's comment on the title of this picture. I'm a great fan of Gary Larson and his Far Side cartoons. He's a master at mixing metaphors visually and stretching associations to the level of the ludicrous. With his work, you either get it or you don't (and here in Japan they definitely don't!) - there's no in between and no explanation can bridge the gap. I sometimes operate in that way myself. something in the picture will suggest a title to me and occasionally I'm the only one that "gets it" Usually these forays into the absurd take the form of visual puns or jokes and I've been questioned about them more than once in the past. Still, I aim for what makes me smile not necessarily what makes others smile. Sometimes these titles remain a private joke and the drift is not caught, so to speak. I'm OK with that, too. Let me just end with this, Vincent, a clue of sorts as to where the rubber met the road. Before I affixed the title, I googled Olmec art just to make sure it was as I remembered it. Can't get part of the joke wrong, after all. Sorry for putting you folks through this long dissertation. It sure would be a lot easier on the eyes if the masters at PN would realize that reading something like this is akin to a trek across the Sahara in the present format. At least give us the oasis of a paragraph. Thanks again, buddies, it's people like you that keep me coming back to PN with all its warts.

Hi Jack,

 

your 'long dissertation' is well appreciated! I understand your title and lack of intention a little better having googled Gary Larson and his cartoons. Thanks for your well-worded explanation. Kind regards, Vincent

Jack,

Perfectly organized photo.

Incredible studio/abstract feel.

Simply flawless!

ZT,

I was drawn as if by a powerful whirlwind, into this image. I cannot make a comment yet, as I would have liked. It is a heavy homework and pondering over this most unique, unusual and extremely characteristic of it author. DG

Love the story, excellent post work - soft and crisp at the same time.