conkerwood

I figure this is one of those pics you will either love or hate with the expectation that there will be many of the latter. But I find a strange kind of fascination with scenes like this and the irony of someone using the tag 'UGLY' Are they describing themselves, their world or what they see as our world? I don't know.
All C&C most welcome.

Peter

(Download)

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

I know where your coming from Peter and have taken similar things.My attraction initially would be the textures the different colours etc. The problem lies in finding a focal point. It is ugly to us for sure but we tend to notice it more when its presented in a picture than we do in real life. Probably we are just so used to living in a world full of strange people thats totally screwed. Remember to some this type of enviroment is not ugly but normal.
Im a bit old fashioned in that I tend to think photographs are like pictures and should be hung on walls so who would hang this on their wall?
Technically spot on and a shot that may make people think or spark lively debate.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

There's just too much going on in the composition, it's too busy. The typical viewer will look at it confused and say, "what is this about, what am I supposed to be focusing on?" Your intended concept is good, but I don't think many people will pick up on it unless you tell them what you were thinking. An effective image should be able to speak on its own without instructions.

conkerwood

I absolutely take both your and rook2c4's point about a place to focus on and the lack of a clear message. Its the same comment that my wife made about the pic and it is completely valid, there is no one place that the eye settles and the irony of the 'UGLY' isn't in any way dominant enough. Personally I find the place and environment itself ugly and I feel a sense of sadness for those whose sense of self worth seems to be dependent upon painted tags. But I also find a kind of beauty in the scene from a photographers point of view, there is beauty in ugliness and ugliness in beauty. Yes I would hang it on my wall but it would only last a few moments before my beloved Liz would suggest strongly that it probably would be more fitting hung in the garage or somewhere similar. So all in all I completely agree the pic has quite a few weaknesses and the fact that I like it only proves that I have weird taste sometimes.

My thanks for the feedback.

Peter

Bamboo Loc: South Carolina

I like it. Disregarding the subject matter, the shapes, colors and composition reminds me of a piece of modern art. Personally I like how the eye wanders around discovering interesting details in this.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Peter, you have captured the dichotomy of this sort of scene. I, personally, abhor people marking up other's property, but then there is a photographic quality produced by those markings that can't escape a photographer's eye and proper treatment. You've managed to capture a rather unattractive practice and produced a very intriguing image.
--Bob

threedeers Loc: Northern Illinois

I'm with Bamboo, it keep you busy looking at it. Decay and art combined!

gypsy02 Loc: Indiana

Exactly! I really like it! It's a sign of the times and an image that will reflect back into the history of this location some day.

Pilot 6 Loc: Eugene, OR

If you narrow your eyelids and squint at an abstract picture, sensing the balance of the shapes and forms, rightness of colors and accents, strength of the composition; all become easier. Rotate the pic to any orientation and a strong one holds up. Doesn't have to tell a story or follow a rule of thirds. For me, yours is simply a fine photograph. I wish it were mine. Bob

SoHillGuy Loc: Washington

One of the points of interest is the spikes that were apparently placed on the wall to deter the taggers from gaining access to their canvas, but has failed to do the job. So this compostion apparently tells a story related to the taggers themselves which is Ugly in it's self.

SENSORLOUPE

It is what it is!! Would definitely catch my eye. I do like it in the photographic way.

conkerwood

My thanks for some very positive replies. Maybe my taste in pics isn't quite as weird as I thought it was.

Peter