A Place in Times
States of Change
The Universe is in its perpetual state of change, with a tiny speck of humanity in it. Every day, each moment is another leap forward. A great deal of the time in our lives is spent being oblivious to it. It’s just too much for our minds to handle. So we move past it, and live. We accept the occasional conscious memory of the passage of time, usually related to aging. Depending on one’s interest, these thoughts may get pushed further back into our memory.
To explore the passage of time in a visual way, I present the following:
Tap any photo for large size
The world is a mixed salad of personalities, cultures, creeds, ages, priorities, etc. These traits can be observed at Times Square, generally known as “the crossroads of the world.” Stand in one spot over time and it crystalizes right in front of you. How often do you stay in a spot to observe—seeking to understand the human conditions surrounding you in its limitless permutations? Consider me a glutton for punishment in trying. This particular place in times? The SW corner of West 42nd Street & 7th Avenue.
2016
Consider that within a photograph—dozens, hundreds, even thousands of things are happening. Those that are apparent, and those that are not. Each person is doing something different in time than any other. Each face is different. Interacting, or not. Observe the things nearest to camera, also farthest from it. Think about the smallest insect or rodent—to the people passing by on foot and in automobiles big and small.
2017
Have you seen, or heard of the movie starring Michelle Yeoh titled “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” The title is such an amazing statement of life, of existence. Though some of us may wish for omnipotence to be everywhere all at once, we understand it’s not possible. To dream of a possibility is so much fun though. In my opinion, the movie is amazing.
2018
Though we can’t be everywhere, we can be somewhere where life goes on. Where we’re bombarded with the existence of humanity. Be quick about it, or it will pass you by without seeing. As you may have noticed, I’ve been coming back to observe from this spot to see for decades. I never get bored of it.
If you’ve experienced a sensory overload in viewing the photographs, then this exploration in the passage of time in being somewhere has been accomplished.
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Til next time…
Cheers
I really like all the different expressions of the people. So many people walking and eating. The different seasons seem to have an impact on people too. Always enjoyable.
This photo series is great, Kenneth. It really conveys the feeling of sensory overload you get in NYC. The same place, different time theme made me think of Peter Funch’s project 42nd and Vanderbilt. Have you seen it? https://www.peterfunch.com/portfolio/42nd-and-vanderbilt/