A View from the # 7 Train
I don’t think any of these would sell; but this second one is my personal favorite because I managed to line up the Empire State and the
Chrysler Bldg. as the train was speeding by. I knew this was coming up and was pressing the camera against the glass, and trying to keep
it steady. Anyway at 1/8000th of a second, it worked out. But the tones and the overall halucinagenics of the first image is also
pretty amazing. Close call.
Smart Crew
Is this art or vandalism? The Jackson Heights Beautification Group would consider this photo a glorification of criminal activity. But I would imagine most street photographers identify or sympathize with graffiti artists, especially since their art makes such great subjects for photos.
What’s especially interesting about this photo is the contrast between graffiti-infested Jackson Heights and the iconic skyline of Manhattan. It is a reminder of the spectrum of neighborhoods throughout greater New York City. If Dave had taken the 7 train one more stop to Flushing, he would have discovered a thriving Asian community almost indistinguishable from Chinatown in lower Manhattan. (And with very little graffiti in view)
Lester
January 27, 2009 at 11:42 pm
A few years ago, the Jackson Heights Beautification Group visited the cave painting outside of Paris. Their hosts were horrified when the committee began scrubbing the charcoal drawings.
To paraphrase the supreme court justice – I may not be able to describe it, but I know art when I see it and this is some of the most beautiful work I’ve seen in a long time. And I was trying to get that contrast between the rooftop artists and the iconic skyline. I think I have one other shot where the skyline is just about perfect; but this angle is better.
I shot this through from a moving train, through a dirty window – at 1/8000th of a second and f 1.4
The day seemed to be about creation and destruction – at least for me. And yes, I feel a very close affinity to the street writers. Like any art – there’s a range of virtuosity – and this to me – is a beautiful city scene.
dave beckerman
January 28, 2009 at 12:07 am
I agree with that, Dave. Some can be really high quality artwork.
Here’s some I found recently in Adelaide:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51549&l=ecc02&id=536594448
nigel
January 28, 2009 at 7:31 am
Quite interesting to me, in addition to the artwork itself is the discussion it generates. The art vs vandalism issue is a good discussion and is being recycled as justification for “Taggers” to spray their names or messages over the graffiti art of others.
Charles Maclauchlan
January 28, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Hi Dave,
That is some beautiful and extensive work. Nicely captured too.
Nigel, I’m from Adelaide too. Nice shots of yours; whereabouts is that?
Cheers
Phill
Phill Hunt
January 28, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Phill
Its on Daws road at Edwardstown, if you go from South road towards Marion road, its on your right, in an empty block
Nigel
nigel
January 29, 2009 at 1:18 am
Cheers Nigel – I think I know it
Phill
Phill Hunt
January 29, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Hi Dave
Do you think you could contact me please via email as I would like to get permission to use one of your images for a trial exam we are creating for secondary students.
Email: dramavic@netspace.net.au
Thanks
Christina
Christina
August 6, 2009 at 12:38 am