New Afghanistan Project: Terrestrial Cosmos

[Turtle]

I have recently completed a project which is fairly dramatic departure from the B&W film work I normally produce using various rangefinders. I posted it here, because I could not see where it would belong! A bit of text first:

"From a young age, we are encouraged to gaze skyward and constantly reminded of all that is possible. Celestial wonder is a part of our upbringing, which forces back horizons and influences our sense of self. But it is a privilege: for the less fortunate, horizons may be decidedly earthbound and, in some cases, limited to the walls and ceilings just feet above their heads. Photographed in Afghanistan, these images are an abstract illustration of this Terrestrial Cosmos."

Most of the photographs were taken in the derelict Russian Cultural Centre (which features strongly in two other projects, Russians and Royals and Afghan Heroin: Not for Export), or in the surrounding area. This was particularly important in order to remain faithful to the theme.
The images had to depict a 'local reality' from floors, ceilings and walls to the near horizon. The Russian Centre is associated with heroin usage and 'rock bottom' for those unfortunate enough to live there.

There may be a few edits in the future, but this is close to finished.

http://www.thomasstanworth.com/portfolio

 

[rxmd]

The link is broken, can you fix it? I guess it should go to http://www.thomasstanworth.com/album/terrestrial-cosmos.

I like the series, good abstract work that is quite powerful.

 

[Turtle]

I've posted a link to the portfolio instead. Hopefully that will wok fine.

 

[konicaman]

Didn't really speak to me, sorry. However, your "The Disorder of Species" is one of the best series I have seen in a long time, inspiring - very well seen and put together, both thought provoking and with a subtle humor. Love it !

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Excellent work. Thanks for posting. Enjoyed the other portfolios as well.

 

[JChrome]

The Cosmos didn't speak to me as much as some of your other portfolios did - "Russian Royals" and "Disorder of the Species".

I must commend your work. You have done an excellent job. It really exposes the level of poverty that these people are experiencing.

 

[adamjohari]

I liked the Terrestrial Cosmos piece. But the Russians and Royals was so amazing. Much respect!

 

[leicashot]

Very very nice work Thomas, as expected mate!

 

[bwcolor]

Incredible .. Love your work.

 

[dtcls100]

Loved your portfolios. The compositions in Terrestrial Cosmos were spare and striking. Disorder of species had an emotional immediacy that grabs one's attention.

 

[Particular]

This is a really great series. It is a very beautiful and powerful idea effectively expressed in the images. I also think it is complimentary to the other series. Perhaps a departure in form, but not at all in content. It enriches and refines the project as a whole to be able to explore the subject matter from different angles. It scratches deep beneath the surface of the psychology of that place.

This particular series reminds me of a project I did in Sarajevo in the 90s, where I was trying (somewhat crudely) to compare images of shell impacts on buildings and pavements to views of the night sky. The sky being for residents under siege both where their daily deadly threats were coming from and their only view of freedom.

 

[emraphoto]

This is a really great series. It is a very beautiful and powerful idea effectively expressed in the images. I also think it is complimentary to the other series. Perhaps a departure in form, but not at all in content. It enriches and refines the project as a whole to be able to explore the subject matter from different angles. It scratches deep beneath the surface of the psychology of that place.

This particular series reminds me of a project I did in Sarajevo in the 90s, where I was trying (somewhat crudely) to compare images of shell impacts on buildings and pavements to views of the night sky. The sky being for residents under siege both where their daily deadly threats were coming from and their only view of freedom.

Having seen some of those same marks about Sarajevo myself I would have been interested to see it unfold.

TURTLE, beaurltiful and I am plexed. I like being plexed.