This morning, I posted a photo on Instagram and Facebook of an unusual scene that caught my eye. You may want to pop over there to see it before reading further. If/When you do, take note of your initial reaction and any follow up thoughts or feelings. (The posts are public and you do not need an account to see the image.) Here are the links: Instagram and Facebook.
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[SPOILER ALERT]
If you did not go look at the photo, you just need to know that it is of a pedestrian sign (the kind of bright yellow, diamond-shaped caution sign placed at crosswalks) next to a cemetery. There is a chain link fence separating the two.
What did you first think of the scene? Did you find it odd, deep, insulting, ironic, enlightening, confusing, hopeful, thought-provoking, hilarious, depressing, illogical, ignorant, half-baked, contrasting, in poor taste, nothing special, or perhaps something else?
I first chuckled at the irony, then felt a sad twinge of mortality, briefly pondered the circle of life, and settled on an I-am-but-a-speck-in-the-universe feeling. It also triggered a flashback to an autumn day in high school when my cross country team’s bus dropped us off at a park for an away meet. There, I slowly realized that the “park” we were stretching in was a (gorgeous) cemetery full of old growth maple trees on full display. At that time, my initial reaction was of confusion followed quickly by teenage angst. I wondered why the organizers would disrespect these poor souls by having us run amongst them disrupting their peace, but once I was actually running in this setting, it felt surprisingly comforting. And perhaps the inhabitants appreciated the extra youthful company.
I love looking at art and listening to music that contain irony and contrast. These elements, both in subject matter and medium, are significant ingredients and influences in my artwork. The unexpected has a particular way of surprising our consciousness that can trigger delightfully creative connections. I appreciate when it is unexpectedly delivered to me in my day-to-day life, like with the “Caution: Pedestrians at the Cemetery” scene. I enjoy the mental recreation of letting it roll around in my mind. Our reactions and feelings reveal much about our personality, our awareness, our place in the world, and our current mood. Do we have a permanent self or are we fluid beings?
What was the last ironic scene that caught your eye?
Until next time,
joç
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