Transit Lockdown by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
When one leaves a city (even by only a few kilometers) one is granted a different perspective; this is, of course, normal for any situation. The outside view is always the most informative: there’s less to take for granted, there are comparisons to be made; on occasion, one may find a word to describe a feeling that can only be sensed, wordlessly, from inside of something.
Though I’ve been back in the United States for a number of years, now, I’ve felt a nagging something within the boundaries of Chicago. I was never really able to do more than glimpse it, sidelong. Upon moving to Berwyn: that beer-friendly village just west of the city, I saw what it is that makes Chicago…well…what it is now. I’m loathe to say what this city has become, but I suspect that one image—this one—says it all. Despite all of that, however, Chicago retains some of its charm and it does remember that once upon a time, it swaggered and had songs written about it. Perhaps, one day, it’ll relearn the art of the swagger. Until then, it is simply…well…what it is now.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week.
Comments (15)
Empires rise and fall - sad, but there is always a new grandeur somewhere that will take it's place. I followed the remnants of Route 66 a few years ago, it was almost painful to see what was once an icon of America turned into a few tourist stops trying to hold on to the last of that glory.
Nothing sadder than a city that not only locks people out but locks its own people in
Utilitarian non-utopia...love the lines, though. Great to look at from the outside, not so nice from the inside!
A steely toothy grin. The metal monster is ready to consume the unwary who might venture too close. You can see its cold, dark and soulless eyes and a half cocked grin of satisfaction.
From this perspective it does look very much like a prison. It only gets worse when the inmates take over the asylum. Your narration made me think of "Chicago" by Carl Sandburg. ".....I turn once more to those who sneer at this my city, and I give them back the sneer and say to them: Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning." City of the Big Shoulders.
Superb capture my friend. God bless.
Very very suggestive image with a great sense of composition !!!!!
You photo speaks volumes Chip.
This powerful composition says fear and alienation to me. You nailed your theme!
I really like all the "ribs" and "grills" such railings can show. What a beautiful shot this is. :)
cool composition and shot
On first look it says prison!!!! x
This definitely reminds me of penitentiary scenes I've seen in films & I've seen very similar structures in subways in other cities (NY & San Francisco for sure) without really thinking about it beyond the utilitarian purpose of segregating those who have paid their fare from those that haven't. Or, perhaps more callously, those who can afford to pay from those who can't? This is a potent symbolic image in a society that has turned it's prison system into a profit generating engine of commerce...
excellent
I've never been to Chicago, but somehow I understand exactly what you're saying based on this image. You seem to have an eye for capturing what many people wouldn't give a second glance, but your photography speaks to us far more eloquently because of it. Excellent work!