Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Lady Liberty Manhattan



This is quite an interesting shot, I think, for a couple of reasons. First, it is taken from a cell phone. Cell photos can be visually arresting, once their technical limitations are accepted. This one falls into that category, again in my opinion. A second reason I find this interesting is suggested in the title I have given it: Manhattan Towers. The bottles in the background are grouped in such a way that they suggest the Manhattan skyline. There are large and imposing structures of all types -- colorful glass towers mostly, but to the extreme left a reflective silver edifice. This is evidently the creation of an architect and client who are not afraid to challenge both man and god in the realization of their ambitions. Certainly a bold statement! This "Manhattan" of bourbon, wine and cocktail shakers, of course, forms a backdrop to an actual Manhattan, the alcoholic beverage, rising like Lady Liberty from a turquoise-y surface that suggests the waters of New York Harbor. The low angle is also quite interesting, I find, as are the oven knobs and combination salt shaker/peppermill in the extreme background on the right. One could, I imagine, speculate for some time on the meaning of all this. Personally, I am content to enjoy the image for what it is on the surface, another ironic juxtaposition that amuses and fascinates in the manner of all great art, on an indirect sensual, rather than a direct intellectual, level.

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