Urban Drawing Board: Images of Free Expression: December 2010

"The People's Prose"

Graffiti, public marches and other free expression on the streets are captured in my photography in this blog. Each “expression” represents a raw energy, a need to speak out—what I call “the people’s prose”—whether by word, illustration or voice.

It comes from folks who felt compelled to say something about their own conditions, the political mood of the time, or the cultural climate they live in. Others just wanted to leave their mark—an “I was here” affirmation. Could have been a teenager who took chalk or a can of spray paint in hand to speak his/her mind, in his own language. Or protestors and parade walkers brave enough to say “This is who I am, this is my liberation.”

“Urban drawing boards”—my term for alternative means of expression—capture the feelings of helplessness and anger when no reform seems likely. They set the record straight. They poke fun. They encourage empowerment.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Winter Play

In late August, I shot these playful winter scenes on the Wylie St. side of Krog Tunnel in Cabbagetown. Cold and snow can be fun, yes? As I sit here shivering, I'm wondering if they were predicting our early winter in Atlanta. As of last month, these scenes were mostly obliterated. C'mon, somebody else draw something fun.