Saturation by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
The North Branch of the Chicago River meanders through a range of neighborhoods, city regions, and natural landscapes. Milkweed scatters its seed fluff into the wind; skunk cabbages no longer grow wild, but they lend their name (along with wild onions) to the city that hosts them, at least in memory.
Where the river deepens, parks trace its course, and on a day of unseasonable warmth, I walked with Corey (as is my habit) taking pictures of things. I saw graffiti and was immediately drawn to its intensity. The day was cloudy. Dreary. Dull. The lurid flare of graffiti color drew my attention. I paused. I read what I could, though it made little sense. I liked the colors, however; I loved the odd shapes, the little surprises and the textures. On the day that three runners inspired an entire universe, I also saw graffiti. This is the graffiti.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading and commenting and I hope you’re all having a great week.

Comments (22)
I see three skulls on this object, staring into the souls of those who would gaze back into their eyes
Very good mix of colors and textures! It is a visual scream.
Wonderful photo, and love what you wrote about it!
I don't have a talent for reading graffiti, but I don't mind it as much as most people seem to. It adds color to an often otherwise dull landscape, as you say. With the saturation cranked a bit, it's easy to see how the paint colors match the surroundings. Well seen, and I like your postwork and compo choices.
I can see why this caught your eye...very interesting.:)
I wonder if anybody really reads graffiti for meaning. Or do the colors symbolize a group, a gang, or an individual? And where does one go to learn how to paint graffiti? I've never liked the stuff...it goes against my inner need for order and discipline. But that's how 20 years in the army molds you. Now, on the other hand, you've made a fine piece out of this. Love the composition, the brightness and the fact that it has spun my mind up...which is always a good thing:) Well done Chip.
Superb capture my friend. God Bless.
This is the very definition of "a riot of color". This man made item mimics almost perfectly its natural surroundings. Excellent catch.
I can see why you took the pic, but I often have this question abot this type of graffiti...Why?
It looks "eatable" The color sat. makes it jump out!
Something that stands out for sure!
inspiration comes from strange places!
The colours are striking; they stand out, yet they also blend. I'm with the "why grafitti?" group, not liking how it seems like such a pathetic bid for attention in such an anti-social way. But the shots you've taken and posted bring a compelling argument for seeing it as an art form. Well done, Chip!
cool shot
I do like graffiti, but I prefare something that is made a bit more artistic than this, but you sure made a beautiful shot out of it. :-)
I remember this day well, and how much fun we had wondering back along a part of the trails I hadn't been to in awhile. I also remember the fun of finding this thing(some kind of vent for the sewer, or nearby pumping station?)with such bright and varied colors, made even more vivid by the overwhelming overcast of the day. Then there was also the always wonderful juxtaposition of gritty urban among this almost rustic area of the river. Great shot! You really nailed it! As to the subject of graffiti,my feelings are mixed. A lot of depends on message and location. Something interesting and artistic in an otherwise stickly urban area can be very interesting photographically and add a nice amount of surface excitement. However, scrawled vandalism on private property, particularly someone's house, is never okay with me.
SUPERLATIVE WORK!
Whatever one's feelings re the graffiti it can stop you in your tracks! the bright colours here, contained in the wood are well worth the capture!
Another corner of your area, where you live. Splendid shot.
To answer one of the questions above, there is a difference between tagging and graffiti.. this is tagging. But, I don't think that's what is important here. What I'm seeing is a long since remnant of a forgotten structure, the edges are weathered and nature is reclaiming it. It feels like a tombstone to the memory of something fleeting we built and forgot.
i think my mind is going to explode. ..
Graffiti on graffiti - couldn't read much of it but I do like the colors!