Dearborn Avenue by Chipka
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Description
Chicago is known for many things: theater stands proudly on that list. There are, however, fewer theaters in the city than there were--fewer theater troupes. Of course, they still exist, and add to the city's cultural legacy. But Chicago, like many other Western cities, has felt the effects of rampant capitalism--banks stand proudly in the crystalline heart of the city; insurance companies rub shoulders with banks...business rules, and even influences the lives of more intimate organizations such as theaters, museums, and places of worship. This is the shape of life in the 21st Century. It is enough to convince anyone that life on earth is a meta-biological thing. It is proof, perhaps, that we are more hive-like a species than we wish to admit. It is our businesses, after all, that rule our lives. They survive, without question, while theaters, churches, and other cultural landmarks must struggle for simple notice.
One of the ironies of 21st century life, however, is the beauty of business at night. During those times when commerce is finished, and when accountants are satisfied with corporate bottom lines, the crystal hives stand empty and devoid of biological life (cockroaches notwithstanding.) It is when these enormous, angular shrines are empty that their beauty shines. I prefer their beauty, and though I'm unhappy with it's meta-human importance in our very human lives, I am aware of its importance. How odd that we have trained ourselves to rely on such things. How odd that we've blunted and killed our animal instincts, and in the process, our animal passions. How odd, as well, that the monstrosities we've created are also so beautiful, when the day is done and the theaters they shadow, throw their light into the hepatic night.
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As always, thank you for viewing and reading and commenting. And I hope you're all at the start of a good week.
Comments (20)
Sea_Dog
Another knock-out urban nightlife. The conflict here between the soulless multistory steel-and-glas monolith and the Rodman with it's aged architectural facade is stunning.
auntietk
I agree. Those buildings at night contain a magic they do not possess during daylight hours. Wonderful night shot -- you're SO good at these!
anaber
You talk about ironie,you talk about the challenge between the day and the night and the beauty of the emptiness,you talk about dormant feelings and yet about the time when everything shines more... will be that, when the people collect to relax and that disappear from the vicious and tiring cycle , "they" replace them by all the light, as if they were there,at the same,without be forgotten and shinning?? If so... well,i can give it a try...though -LOL-i dont believe!!!but it is very beautiful as a theory...isnt it? and if so...how beautiful this our world would be... Your night photo is wonderful.I love the contrast between golden light effect and the light in the darkness.Thank you, for helping me to think of so many things related to the light:-)
KatesFriend
I find it fascinating how these power brokers often deride the 'ever whiney' artists who, in the estimation the captains business, should get real jobs if their art does not make a profit. Ah, but they always turn to the arts to preserve their legacy. They always want a spectacular tower or monument (not an efficient and practical one) to remind all of us for today and in the future of their greatness. Of coarse the names on buildings can be changed in due coarse. Their creator is always remembered though. "Artists make the culture, not the critics" - David Bowie
bimm3d
wonderful capture!!!!!!
bmac62
Thumbs up Chip,...you capture the essence of the city at night so well.
beachzz
Gigantic monoliths during the day--they morph into glowing marvels.
durleybeachbum
Another great night image, Chip: my mind flooded with all sorts of thoughts, excited even further by the previous comments. However beautiful the result, whatever possesses these corporate bodies to conspicuously consume as much energy as possible when those tall buildings are empty...it is a sensible as an individual having 'Waster' tattooed across his forehead. Surely the light should be where people gather to interact and relax, and not pointlessly polluting the sky. And incidently and totally unconnected...your title in the ebot instantly brought to mind 'Dearborn's Mercolised Wax', a skin conditioner still available when I was a child, but superceded by a myriad of creams and lotions. How strange..your work does that sort of thing to me so often!
helanker
Maybe it is a good idea only living by night, when you live in Chicago ;-) This is such a fantastic view. Very beautiful... and maybeit is not as beautiful by day.... or? Well, I just know I find this shot excellent. I like you Chicago shots and your philosophic thoughts too.
Meisiekind
I am amazed by the beauty of the image and entranced by your words and the comments before me. In a way I agree with it all but am without words myself in the space I am in at the moment!
Rainastorm
Wow...awesome capture for sure...
tamburro
Wow...Great shot!!! Hugs:)
ladyraven23452
great work.
MrsRatbag
Lovely night shot and thought-provoking reflections...
romanceworks
Commerce vs creativity. Making money vs making art. An endless battle that rages on, won and lost in every big city. Provocative shot and words. CC
hipps13
awesome lights warm hugs, Linda
M2A
Urban life has no secret for you. Charming photo.
elfin14doaks
This is a gorgeous shot. I love the contrast in the buildings. Awesome capture my friend, well done.
kgb224
Wonderful capture my friend.
myrrhluz
This is a beautiful image of contrast. Not only the contrast of the memory of the day, but also the contrast between the towering, cool, impersonal, but quite lovely buildings and the warm, friendly, and glowing theater. The theater looks a little squatlike and brash against the cool green. Your words add much depth to you images. Nicely written and captured!