February 2014, what a month for the world - seemingly everywhere you looked there's been unrest. Economic meltdown's, corrupt politicians, people standing up against dictatorships and oppressive regimes, or protesting the need for a major sporting event and the financial drain it brings in a developing country, struggling with crime and poverty. In South Africa alone we've seen so many protests in the last couple of years (many turning violent) that in a way it almost feels normal to see images like these; in a way it almost feels like 'we're not alone'. I wrote a piece on the 'culture of violence in SA' - which is something that many public figures have voiced concern over, but looking at the unrest in the world, it seems like that culture permeates all over, because when pushed to the edge, its only message politicians seem to hear. Here's a flash look at what's been going on, spanning across 4 continents. *Warning: Some images contain graphic material that may offend sensitive viewers.* Ukraine, Kiev: - What a difference a couple of weeks can make... innocent victims, a deposed president, and if outside forces (Russia) get involved, this will turn into a civil war: Bosnia and Herzegovina: "After 22 years of being bullied Bosnians are desperate, and must protest... Since the war we have been told to accept our status as victims. Now we are demanding change – and an end to corruption"- "The 85 wealthiest oligarchs in the state are collectively worth $9bn: this "wealth" was looted either via corrupt laws or by siphoning off money from the international community designed to prevent a return to conflict." - theguardian.com - this in addition to the economic crisis. Brazil: the posters say it all Thailand: Anti-Gov protests apposing the ruling party (dictatorship) which has won the last 5 elections. Venezuela, Caracas: "Caracas protesters vow to turn Venezuela into another Ukraine" Libya, Benghazi: "The killings of two more policemen in Benghazi on Wednesday (February 26th) sparked protests by angry young residents." [Image Credits: buzzfeed.com, thechive.com, theguardian.com, presstv.ir, dailymail.co.uk, bbc.co.uk, msnbcnews.com, latino.foxnews.com, ibtimes.com, youmiddleeast.com, latimes.com] From these images we're reminded again of how similar we all are, with the same desires and motivations... and how corruption is rife the world over. Here in SA, as in much of the world, those in power still fail to heed these old quotes “People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.” “A government afraid of its citizens is a Democracy. Citizens afraid of government is tyranny!”
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Vertigo Comics (the adult comic section of DC Comics) have been given the rights for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo graphic novel series. So you've read the books, or perhaps braved the films (either versions), hence, you may want to give this a look. Personally I would just be interested in the artistic element, appreciating the considerable talents of the illustrators... - Vertigo Comics (link HERE): other titles include Sandman, V for Vendetta, as well as some interesting variations on old favorites like Superman and Batman. A few notes on Stieg Larsson
For this week we turn our attention to Jason Hayden, Photographer, Oceanographer, and in his spare time, rock climber... I won't get into the whole "is photography art?" debate, because quite frankly, I believe it is - and I'm not alone. Without further ado though, lets look at the evidence through the lens of our main protagonist, Mr Hayden: photos by Jason Hayden (obviously) Mini Biography I got hooked on photography back in 2002, in the birthplace of some of the most phenomenal photographers, and one of the most photogenic cities in the world, NYC. I attended the Nikon School of photography there, and began to shoot EVERYTHING. In 2003 I decided to pursue my life long dream of becoming an oceanographer. Unfortunately this put my photography on the back burner for a while. Full frame digital cameras finally began to rival the quality of film, and I got drawn back into photography. Once again, I find myself photographing one of the most photogenic cities in the world, with natural beauty that just cant be been rivaled, Cape Town. I have traveled to over 20 countries in the last two years and Cape Town is by far the most beautiful city I have ever seen. Q & A: - What model camera do you use/ What would you like to use in future? I am currently using a 5D MKiii, and in the future I would like to use a Canon 5D MKiii..They are fantastic cameras. I am also starting to include video in my repertoire, and would love to get a RED Epic camera. Check out a sample of a time lapse I did, Empty Places On My Own! from jason hayden on Vimeo. - What's your favorite time of day? I enjoy photographing bugs and around 16:30 they start slowing down just long enough for me to get a decent shot. So between 16:30 and 19:30 is my favorite time of day..When I can drag myself out of bed before sunrise it is also EPIC! - If you had to have breakfast with 3 famous people, who would they be? I would say Ansel Adams..But having breakfast with a guy who has been dead for so long might not be a good idea..I might just be put off my bacon. So I guess it would be Thomas Shahan (http://thomasshahan.com/), Brian Skerry (http://www.brianskerry.com/) and Rob Whitworth (*see below*). - A random favorite quote of yours (something you said or something someone else said) V for Vendetta (2005): Nasoj: aka JASON HAYDEN the MANboy himself - What do you love about Cape Town, aside from the views? The diversity! Cape Town has such a diversity in people, fauna, flora and marine environments. It is a place where diversity is truly a blessing.
Thank you Jason for sharing your talent with us... It occurred to me that there are no Creepy Crawly photos - perhaps we can do a follow up piece in a couple of weeks... ... And, just because I can and because its cool (and mind boggling), I've uploaded the time lapse video by Rob Whitworth, Enjoy and have an awesome week! 5th November: That barking day... Don't forget the values the man stood for, fighting oppression; whatever you opinion of the man, and whatever the media has led you to believe about him... he was a man willing to die for what he believed in. I was asked the question a few weeks ago: What do I believe in? What am I willing to die for? - Sometimes, when one looks at the world right now, it seems like people are craving for something to believe in. -- Food for thought! A great scene... words have amazing power, one way or the other... If you remember the celebrations, fireworks and everything Guy Fawks stood for, then I implore you to also remember your little friends too... ... Consider them. |
[Banner illustration by Joel Kanar]
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