Kilroy Was Here by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
His is a familiar, if partly-obscured character. Millions have seen his bald (or mostly bald) head peeking up over a wall, his prominent nose over the edge and cartoon fingers holding him in place. In the United States, he is recognized as Kilroy, and is synonymous with the phrase (often scrawled beneath the doodle) “Kilroy Was Here.” In England, he is recognized as Mr. Chad (or quite simply, Chad) and in Australia, he is of Chinese origin if his name Mr. Foo is any indication.
The doodle itself, and the phrase, are the conjoined aspects of a single legend, but by a number of official accounts, the two existed separately until around the time of World War II; there are examples of Kilroy that seem to pre-date the second world war, but it has proven hard to substantiate a number of claims as to Kilroy’s origin(s). It doesn’t matter, ultimately; like any good meme (a thought or idea that propagates in the human mind like a virus) Kilroy has survived, and I suspect that if humanity ever gets its act together and colonizes other worlds, Kilroy will, most-likely, make the journey too.
I saw Kilroy, today. In a truck yard. He was not a bald, cartoon man—or a cartoon man with a few, wiry hairs sticking up from a largely bald head—peeking over a wall. He was, instead, a juvenile grasshopper…peeking over a leaf. I’d tried to get good shots of the small critter, but to no avail. The diminutive creature was, quite understandably, camera shy. As grasshoppers are known (among some predators) for their rich, nutty taste, it behooves any young grasshopper to remain wary…to avoid larger things with the ability to move. Big things, in grasshopper logic, are most-likely, grasshopper eaters. And so in avoiding a potential predator, the little grasshopper I dubbed Kilroy did his (her?) best to avoid me…but in doing so, provided a priceless—once in a lifetime—photo op. I’m glad I was quick. This is the end result of my efforts.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all off to a great week.
Comments (33)
Absolutely Gorgeous ;-)
this is cool. wonderful shot
I love the antenna, they look almost like ram horns. That, or he/she is receiving an incoming message from the Grasshopper High Command. Or maybe he/she just tuned in he/she/it's favorite song. Perhaps a weather report. News of the stock market... There definitely is a Kilroy resemblance happening here. And the longer I look at this, the more Kilroy it becomes. I don't think I would have had the presence of mind to have seen this shot unfolding and then actually grab it with the speed and clarity you've managed here. Very literally, nice catch!
He he, what great timing! I'm glad you waited him (or her) out for this. Excellent
Great title and shot of this dude!
What a face...filled with all the features any red blooded boy is looking for...large pink eyes, two moveable antennae, a green face and lips that are just out of this world:) As for your photo, I've never come close to this detail on any critter this size. You've done a great job here. Your readiness and trained eye brought you a superb posting. Well done C.
What a cute cool shot!:)
Striking image. Effective background blur, dramatic subject placement (as well as subject itself!) and brilliant saturated color. Outstanding.
he is SO cute!!
really cool and funny shot of him !! like the eyes and antenna too !!
Almost perfect, you only need his front two legs wrapped over the edge!
Excellent! I've always known them as Kilroy, but then we were overrun by GIs when I was born in 1944! (Overpaid, oversexed and over here) Wonderful pic, I love the way his 'elbows' just show.
Excellent shot.
Splendid close-up!
Excellent.
HA What a lovely shot. I like that POV alot. Reminds me of the shot I once took, almost like this in 2010 :)
haha @Blinkings, too much time on your hands! Great shot here of Kilroy! An awesome POV, how did you get him to look? Call "GRASSHOPPER!!"? haha- thanks for sharing! :)
Selina Photography™
fabulous!! I love your Kilroy!!
Kilroy seems to say - Wha...t??? I just those alien horns and like Andrea, I adore the elbows!
Most definitely a Kilroy moment. I love the baby hoppers, such a vibrant green. This one is quite the looker!
He he it is just the pistols on the side of his legs that must be thre than this capture will be completed. Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.
He looks so surprised! Excellent capture, and I can totally see Kilroy.
Awesome capture and wonderful DOF!!
Wonderful detail! I really like your shot of this cute little green critter. Great timing.
It is a Kilroy face, wonderful find and capture!
Why...is...he....LOOKING...at me...do I have something on my face???? LOL! Terrific capture mah friend....
haha! i love the kilroy thing! it's the people'svoice in a way! brilliant shot!
Great capture of your Kilroy grasshopper.
Great photo!