January
25
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Oddly Juxtaposed
The integrity and identity of historic urban spaces the world over, is under threat from unbridled growth and global integration. Especially in third world countries, where cultural heritage takes a back seat to new found aspirations of development & progress, despite the efforts of conservation groups.
But when managed sensitively, it is the very contradictions and incongruities of changing urban landscapes that define the character of great cities and form the essence of their appeal.
Street art in Place Igor Stravinsky, Paris
This mural by Jeff ‘Aerosol’ (real name: Jean-Francois Perroy) titled “Chuuuttt!” (Ssshhh!) is a self portrait that is not as it seems at first sight, an admonition to be silent, but his way of urging people to stop and look around, to admire the beauty of a historic city, “to listen to the soundtrack of the urban world” that according to him is so much more than the sound of cars and police sirens! The work that was inaugurated in 2011 took 4 days to complete, used 200 spray cans, 6 artists and covers 350m² of wall space. The red arrow on the cheek is apparently a recurring signature.
Does this juxtaposition work? You tell me.
Related articles:
Weekly Photo Challenge: Juxtaposition
Conspicuous Contrast
Paris – Le’ancien Et Le Moderne
Fascinating picture – loved it! 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you Ken. 🙂
I love the commentary you’ve generated, Madhu! 🙂 I’m a little negative on Graffiti too sometimes. You’re right- this one takes a little thought. Busy times, for you?
Very Jo. Have just been stopping by to post short photo challenges so people don’t forget me 🙂 Hoping to be back on board in a few days.
You’re not forgettable, Madhu. 🙂 I was just hoping everything was ok. Catch up when you can. There’s more to life than blogging (shock! horror!)
Is there? 😀 Thank you for the kind words Jo.
Excellent advice. We should all stop, listen and look around … don’t take our surroundings for granted. Love your photo, Madhu.
Especially in urban spaces where people are always in a hurry. Thanks Judy.
Great!
Thank you Ilargia 🙂
As always Madhu you provide such insight into each piece you post. This is an excellent selection for this challenge.
Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed it Luann.
Love this, Madhu! Excellent juxtaposition.
I actually think this works well together. Definitely eye catching, but more importantly to understand the artist’s intentions. I appreciate the explanation. Great example for the theme.
Breathtaking shots! Superb photographs of sights & signs in France……! Have you become a BLOG junkie.?? Hope not! :))
Have been one for sometime Harini 🙂
A girlhood cut short, due to your early move in life, to counting tea leaves…? 😄 and now the freedom to follow your inner dreams & desires!!!? Way to go Madhu….. ! This is called FAFOF…!!!😝😝
At the risk of giving away my vintage, what exactly is FAFOF?
Oh, it works!!! And a great shot too, Madhu. I’ll make sure not to miss it the next time, if it is still there…
It will be there alright. When are you going next? I am hoping to return for my sister’s fiftieth next year 🙂
You are going back with your sister? 🙂 That’s cool Madhu. I have no idea when I will visit it again. I would like to do it once more in this life time. I don’t dare make any travelling plans for next year, as I don’t know if I’ll have any work and resources by then….
That is the plan, but my sister has way too many commitments – daughter just into college, son still in school, and a year old job (in the US) – so I don’t know whether it will happen. But we dream and talk about it 🙂
Yeah, but to most people who wouldn’t know about its background story, it still serves as a warning to be quiet. A mural that visible, I bet it works. 😀
It certainly does. Thanks Rommel.
I kind of think it works. It’s tastefully muted “large” and well-done. I suppose it’s inevitable that murals appear on old buildings, and sometimes I think they are an improvement. Knowing the story behind this one makes it interesting. Enjoyed considering the question that you posed here, Madhu.
Haha, this is a great capture! Wonderful piece of graffiti!
I love your Paris pictures. You bring me to a place I dreamed of visiting when I was younger. Well, I still do. 🙂
Brilliant shot of a fascinating subject.
I have to admit that, at first glance, the natural xtaposition of the mural and the church was much too jarring for my liking. But after reading your post, I got it. While I sure wouldn’t be one to advocate the practice of murals popping up alongside the beautiful, traditional architecture of historic churches, I do like the message this mural tries to impart. Great picture, by the way. It certainly met the guidelines for the weekly challenge!
My thoughts exactly. Thank you for taking the time to tell me SPFischer. Much appreciated.
Stunning photos ………..Kolkota’s Victoria Memorial, and the ghastly (now iconic?) modern cube structure plonked dead centre inside the classic Parisian Louvre Museum. But with your interest in catching just the right angles & light for the photographs, are you able to find time to soak in the atmosphere too? Sure hope so… This last, BTW, was another Blogger’s observation, when he realized that he had been producing fantastic imagery, while the feel and the appreciation of the places he traveled to see, got lost in translation while capturing the images…..! Not a criticism….just an observation that struck a chord in my mind…!
Oh yes I do. The trick is to allow yourself enough time at each place, rather than blitz through them in a group. You will understand if you read my post on Humayun’s tomb. Appreciate your stopping by Harini.
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