Beached by CoreyBlack
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Description
This picture was made in the 1980s under the awning of the old Chicago Parks Department building that used to sit at the entrance to Foster Avenue Beach. The structure was a utilitarian affair that probably dated from the 1920s and housed a concession stand, restrooms, and if memory serves, a shower area. It was painted that same shade of murky kelly green Chicago used on all park property until the city became style conscious a few years back. During summer, the place would be mobbed with sunbathers busily washing sand off their feet, using the facilities, or consuming overcooked hot dogs and watered down soda. When I snapped this shot on April 27, 1987, the summer season hadn't started yet and the place was locked up tighter than a drum. The park was peaceful and largely deserted that afternoon: the only sounds being the gentle sloshing of the surf; the far off hum of traffic on Lake Shore Drive; and the footfalls of a lone jogger receding into the distance.
About 10 years ago, this building was torn down and replaced by a much larger facility that sits about a quarter of a mile south of this location.
Comments (11)
Chipka
Occasionally, I'll see a picture like this and the first thought that comes to my mind will usually be something along the lines of: Hmmm...where are the descendants of those birds? But that's just me. This is a really nice shot; it's incredibly crisp and sharp. Very nicely done, nicely seen, and I love the dominance of darkness on one side and light on the other, all following something of a diagonal curve. This is a great shot.
KatesFriend
You've really captured a lot of contrast in this scene with very little over exposed or under exposed. Hard to do, at lest for me. There is something undeniably stark about this place. Of coarse your description of the building as utilitarian is apt. And set against a back drop of more utilitarian apartment blocks, with only a smattering of trees as a token concession to nature, its hard to believe that this might be considered a retreat for city dwellers trying to get away from their all too asphalt world. Of coarse, this place might be quite beautiful at other times and this is just a bad day.
auntietk
You have such an eye for composition ... this is marvellous!
durleybeachbum
This composition makes me feel a little sad and slightly threatened! Superb!
jeanebean
I agree with durleybeachbum. There is a sad, threatening, utilitarian quality about it. Almost like the feelings we had about Russia during the cold war. Could be Russia.I really liked these b&w photos you used to take with the old Nikormat back in your youth. Love you, Mom
sandra46
AWESOME PICTURE!
jmb007
belle photo!
beachzz
this reminds of old time beach fotos, what a great shot!!
flavia49
wonderful picture!
lick.a.witch
I like the way the uprights of the structure leads one into the urban high rises. I can't quite get my head around high rise buildings being so close to a beach though. I suppose somewhere in this tiny isle this occurs, though the buildings would not be so tall, but mostly the beaches are away from anything urban, cliff walking the only way to reach many of them. The monochrome is well suited to this image. ^=^
myrrhluz
Excellent composition! What I see first, are the squares. The bright near one of almost complete empty light, and then the distant one and the end of the open corridor. I like the lines of the poles and the jogger. Wonderful contrast. Great shot!