The Monument by Chipka
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Description
The outermost reach of the Shesk/Bratâ'ek gravitational basin is home to a curious and somewhat troubling, oblate structure that measures a 'diminutive' 220 kilometers at its longitudinal axis. Hewn from nickel/iron ores mined from local asteroids, the structure is moored in place by an array of gravity manipulators. The stylized and disembodied heads that identify this massive work of art never face the sun directly. It is officially known as The Monument of Heroes in the Dark, though the people of Nemaea have endowed it with a more subtle and emotionally-affecting name. They simply call it унылые герои. [The] Sad Heroes.
"We don't know their names," Paetr Brezhentsev said to me, as I gawked in shameless awe at the structure dwarfing our in-system cruiser. "We are not supposed to," he added.
I asked him why.
"Because they are heroes," he said, with a faint shrug. "They died anonymous and alone...and probably very afraid." He paused and cocked a sidelong glance in my direction, as if studying my reaction.
I kept my attention fixed on the monument. I tried to ignore the fact that a member of the Nemaean Frontier Guard stood beside me at the viewing wall, and a subtle note in his voice revealed a barely-submerged emotional current that I'd never imagined a Nemaean possessing. I felt very small, very far from home, and very ignorant of the universe I inhabited.
"There is another structure like this under construction. It will orbit Nemaea itself," Paetr said. "It is also larger."
--And suddenly, a soul-numbing fact overcame me in answer to a question I hadn't asked. Another hulking monument lay under construction--not as a testament to the glories of the Nemaean Interstellar Republic, but as a quiet and devastating acknowledgment that there were scores more dead heroes, and no one will ever really know who they are.
--Andreus Makklin
Studies of the Nemaean Cloister
****
Okay, ONE LAST glimpse into the Nemaean universe before my trip back to Prague--I'm off bright and early tomorrow morning--and I probably won't have consistent internet access there. As for the image itself, it's another photoshop render/collage. The "monument" itself is actually a door in Prague. Though not as famous as the TV Tower babies, this door (a garage door, I think) shows a bit more of Prague's artistic temperament. I'll be posting other images of this door (as it actually appears) later. A lot of the idiosyncrasies of Prague (and Czech culture in general) have actually come to define the fictional Nemaeans, so it's fitting that a Czech door could take on stunt-double duty as a futuristic monument orbiting a distant planet.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and if I am offline for a couple of weeks, it's because I'm out getting more Prague pictures before returning to Dortmund. Have a great time viewing, capturing, and rendering, and I'll see you all again as soon as I can.
Comments (25)
Mousson
Image magnifique, trés trés forte et dramatique!
beachzz
Wonderful imaging and words, as usual, Chip!! Safe travels!!
NefariousDrO
Wow. This is an intriguing glimpse into a very complicated culture. Your image is pretty intense, almost disturbing, and the text leads one to wonder just what has happened that a culture would not only come to recognize what most would prefer to ignore, but that it would be happening at all. What terrible things have the Naeameans seen that brought them face-to-face with the terrible cost of living and yet inspire them to continue on, as well as honor those who've sacrificed everything they have? This is a very profound work you have here.
Heathcroft
Now Chip, that's what's needed with these images- that extra "X" factor!
SSoffia
wwwweewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!! FANTASTIC DESIGN BRAVOOOOOOO !!!!!!
rainbows
Incredibly creative work, and words Chip! Have a wonderful time in prague, stay safe, dear friend. I will miss you. Hugs. Di. xx
JaneEden
You are so creative in your work, and I love the story too. Well done to you chip and Bravo!!!
mbz2662
Oh Wow~ wonderful and creative! Have a safe, productive and Great trip to Prague! See you on your return...
Liam.
Wow! What an excellent, imaginative image! It slightly reminds me of "2001: A Space Odyssey" yet it has its own distinctive style. I am also touched by the story behind it. You are a very sensitive soul, Chip.
trishabadblood
you can write.. very nice read.. wonderful image... the detail in the scene... excellent work...
juca
Perfect concept!! Wonderful job!!
Sherena
Impressive work!... fantastic light and compo.
NekhbetSun
Wowwww Chip ! you really outdid yourself on this one ! most excellent !
frankman
Excellent work here! Great done!
pixeltek
Have a great trip. I can't wait to get on the road again myself, next spring - although this time it will be all over Asia (once more) with many new places thrown into the mix. I do, however, hope to visit Prague again in future. Bon voyage.
Janiss
Oh la la Chip, such marvelous light and this perspective is top.. a great and splendid art work my friend!;-)
MagikUnicorn
Superb work lovely reflection and I love spacescape! (fav)
adonise
Fantastique creation and lighting...
shahlaa
Excellent shot!
Seahchai-peg
Brilliant concept exquisitely executed along with the words and music!
geirla
Creepy picture and disturbingly interesting writing with the right hint of mystery! Well done.
helanker
WOW ! A really excellent way of presenting the door. Makes me think about all these people who died in order to discover the space.
anaber
Excellent!Wonderful Creation.A door´sculpture reaching to the unknown!This bring me lots of emotional feelings!Thank you!
Myel
Wonderful picture! A very artistic work! Presented like that, this increases the futurist aspect of this door, these heads make think about a spaceship crew. And, thank you for you nice comments! Thanks also for your beautiful words in your texts.
myrrhluz
Wonderful image and story! Love that it is set never to face the sun directly. Some things are not meant to be seen under strong light. This makes me wonder what kind of monuments will be erected in space if we ever travel freely there. This is great use of the door. I like to think of it as the massive structure of your story and imagine being on a ship and staring out in wonder as we pass slowly by it. Excellent work!