The Maze

[nixarma]

Comments and reactions are welcome...

Nikhil

 

[FrankS]

For me, this image has a good surreal quality and mood. It's just my opinion that the image would be stronger at presenting this strange and bleak feeling if the evidence of civilization (bridge and buildings) were absent. Still,an image to be proud of.

 

[nixarma]

Thank you very much for your kind words, Frank. I do agree with your larger point.

Here is the story behind this image, if you are inclined to read it 🙂

This photograph was somewhat serendipitous. I had initially meant for the image to contain the maze in the foreground, the bridge and the bay in the background and the sky. I was also experimenting that day with a red filter and the skies often oblige.

As I was setting up, the man in the frame started his attempts at "exiting" the maze. I initially planned on allowing him to have his fill and then make my photographs after he had left.

10 minutes later, he was still at it... intent on figuring it out. At that moment I decided that I would take a few shots with him in the frame.

Only after seeing the developed negatives did certain metaphors occur to me - his expression, his concentration, the manner of his clothing. And the bridge does fit into certain interpretations. However, I agree that the photograph might be more powerful without their presence.

Thanks for your time!
N.

 

[Papercut]

I think it works as is, better than it would by removing all the background elements of "civilization". Sure, we carry our (human) psychological/emotional/mental mazes with us wherever we go, but having the Golden Gate Bridge and buildings in the background doesn't detract, to me, because like the man's clothes, they are visual reminders that we humans are embedded in the complex infrastructure of our societies and economies. Even when we turn our backs on them and search for a way out, the mazes of our minds AND those of our communities are inescapable.

I think this is a powerful, highly articulate, image. One that I can't help but think, "I wish I'd made that photo." (And if I did, it would be hanging up on my wall!)

 

[Matthew Allen]

Very striking. My initial reaction was that I really liked this photograph, but then it started to bother me that the subject was walking out of the frame - for me this and the cutting-off of his shadow create a tension that messes with my enjoyment of the image.

That said, I still think it's very strong and that it would make a lovely print.

Matthew

 

[nixarma]

Thank you very much for your comments, Papercut and Matthew!

Of the photographs I have taken, this is among the few that I am partial to because it is not as "documentary" and, I think, invites the viewer to interpretation.

I will try and get the negative drum-scanned, post-process it similarly and have them print it. I am curious to see how it on paper.

Thanks so much for your time!

 

[rpsawin]

I think the bridge in the background actually makes the image. It provides some context...modern man engaging in a timeless ritual as opposed to a guy walking in a bunch of rocks.

My POV FWIW.

Bob

 

[tripod]

This difference of opinions about including or excluding the bridge, is a good example how subjective critiques are, and the value of same.

 

[Papercut]

I hope that saying critique is subjective isn't an attempt to de-value it ...

Terry Barrett's book on "criticizing photographs" is the best introduction to this that I've seen. Drawing on Lit-Crit, he argues it has four modes (describing, interpreting, evaluating, and theorizing), but that criticism in ANY of those four modes is really "informed discourse about art to increase understanding and appreciation".

Regardless of it's subjectivity, I suspect that the critique in this thread has helped "increase understanding and appreciation" of Nikhil's image. Seems an excellent value to me!

 

[Sparrow]

I like the bleak post-modern pictorial elements and contrasty look, I like the Gestalt pattern thing going on with the stone circles and the figure at their centre, and I like the ancient/modern man problem solving storyline. Don’t be offended but I have a problem however with the composition, the skyline possibly cutting the frame and the figure in half? It stops it being very good for me, I still like it but it was so close to a great shot

🙂

 

[nixarma]

Apologies all, for the delayed reply and thank you very much for your comments. I was away from home for a while and did not have much time online.

Regardless of it's subjectivity, I suspect that the critique in this thread has helped "increase understanding and appreciation" of Nikhil's image. Seems an excellent value to me!

I entirely agree, Papercut. Part of the value that this photograph has for me is that it is open to interpretation and it is very interesting to hear peoples' reactions to it. So, I certainly welcome discussion and critique.

Papercut, thank you for the book recommendation. I will be sure to get a copy.

Alan, this photograph was completely unplanned and I don't know this person at all. But your points are valid. I think the reason for his curious posture at this moment was a combination of the wind and the fact that he was about to make a U-turn to follow a path in the maze. He seems to be looking down, to his left, to see where that path was heading.

Could you also explain what you meant by the storyboard? Did you mean 5-10 photographs with the same "players" or photographs with similar themes? Both interpretations are good ideas but I would like to know what you actually meant 🙂

Thanks again, all, for your time and comments!