I can’t imagine wanting to spend much time taking pictures of landscapes or still lives. It’s not that I don’t appreciate Ansel Adams’ “Moonrise” or Edward Weston’s “Pepper No.30”, but I prefer to be in the thick of humanity, observing the humor, sadness, hope, generosity, activity and occasional stillness. I find the street life of Latin America particularly enthralling. Familiar, yet worlds apart from my orderly existence in New York City, the sounds, smells and chaotic vitality allow me to connect with memories of childhood trips to Mexico and a life which, although only tasted fleetingly, I nonetheless remain nostalgic for.
This scene from Bogotá captures the ambiance I am attracted to. The lives of the working class couple on bikes are juxtaposed with one of the symbols of bourgeoisie “family” life by the presence of the dog in their cart. On a second story balcony we can see a sign that reads “Beatles,” marking a music store completely barred off from the street; apparently you don’t just need “love” - you also need a good defense! And “Opticas Gammaluz," displays an image of a blond model that seems incongruous with the worn buildings and people (including the man in black to the far left who I believe was stalking me). There’s something mad about the entire scene, something that feels post-apocalyptic yet very “real” in an immediate, unfiltered way. It’s everything that Times Square is not — although Times Square was once like this and as the world unravels may well be again.