Road Rage Meterby
GeneralEComment by ubique: This is rather unfair: no comments at all in challenge, and none post challenge. Well, as I write this, there is none. And not even, by a slender margin, the back-handed consolation of a brown.
The General\'s immense body of work at DPC may not be regularly distinguished by the standards of popular acclaim, nor distinguished by the even more difficult-to-attain standards of
unpopular acclaim (as in
jmritz et al), but it is nonetheless distinguished in another worthy way, and often rewards a longer look.
Paul,
GeneralE, is a fellow of substantial intellect, erudition and wit. That much is self-evident from the forums. But it also sneaks pretty regularly into his photographs, as in the case of this ̢۪un.
He often tests the question of what is truly creative, and what is merely engaging. This photograph is visually unpretentious but has more substance, intellectually and photographically, than many that finished nearer the other end of the field. What could be more witty - more artistic even - than to use a rubber band as a personification of self? A metaphor for contemporary angst? Stretched. Showing an imminent fault line under the strain. Implying a real emotion, rather than something obviously contrived and counterfeit, signifying nothing.
I'm not saying it should have finished higher. Well, in truth, I am. This photograph is not derivative. It may be very simple, but it\'s not trite.
And I'm not saying that it should be hanging at the MOMA. It\'s not up there with Magritte and Banksy as a bit of social commentary. But I am saying that it deserved more consideration. And comment.
Photographer found comment helpful.
