My visit to High Line Park provided a leisurely perspective of the city, enhanced by the breezy conditions. A highlight was a massive pigeon statue, titled “Dinosaur” by artist Iván Argote.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post on Urban Landscape, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting High Line Park. It’s such a fantastic way to get different view of the city in a more unhurried fashion. It may have been rather breezy during my Sunday exploration, but that just added to the fascinating vistas.
Here’s one that really caught my attention…
High Line Pigeon
Yes, there is a gigantic, hyper-realistic pigeon statue on the High Line; and it is titled “Dinosaur”. It’s a pigeon with the size of a Tyrannosaurus Rex! This sculpture was create by Iván Argote, an artist who lives and works in Paris, France. A great description of this project can be found at this link. The video is worth watching!
The other thought that crossed my mind when I saw this pigeon was the B-side of Elton John’s Daniel release: Skyline Pigeon.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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