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10 Thought-Provoking Photos to Ponder Upon |
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by R J Evans, Jul 22, 2008 |
A collection of 10 photographs that will make you think, and maybe even ponder the mysteries of life and love. |
Hope Lingers On“Hope can vanish, but can die not” Shelley
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I was drawn to this photo for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was shot in black and white and the contrasts are lovely and secondly, of course, the graffiti on the wall. The whole scene has a post apocalyptic sense to it while the overwhelming growth of plants outside gives the picture, to me, a feeling of innate optimism that life will come through whatever.Delicacy and Diversity“My strength is as the strength of ten Because my heart is pure” Tennyson
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As well as having the “aaaw” effect this photo really stirs the awe and wonder parts of the brain. The tiny baby marmoset clinging to a human finger is such a touching sight and a reminder that those with power have a responsibility to look after those who have none. A beautifully composed picture. The Next Last Supper“Man is an intellectual animal, and therefore an everlasting contradiction to himself. His senses centre in to himself, his ideas reach to the end of the universe: so that he is torn in pieces between the two, without its possibility of ever being otherwise.” Hazlitt
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By Israeli photographer Adi Nes, this is a take on a famous work of art! I love the composition and the colors in this - the greens and the reds. It also makes me ponder what the true difference is between apostles of peace and the above apostles of war in their uniforms, obviously preparing for a fight. A singular take on the perplexing similarities between extremes. Global Warming is a Reality“We may become the makers of our own fate when we have ceased to pose as its prophets” Popper
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Without any wish to dishearten and depress I thought it important to include a few photographs in this small collection that would provoke thought but not induce too many winces. This melted ice cream van is all we really need to see to take in the message that global warming is a reality. As such it is neither glib nor joking - once past the humor there is a much darker message. Abandoned Child“The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.” Burke
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At first take this could be seen as a real child and the shock of the image is in the “what if” idea it posits. We all know that child cruelty exists in extreme forms and this photograph shows us the consequences without showing us the consequences. I find this a very troubling image and one which stays in the mind for a long time. Ideas Above Our Station?“It is difficult to be humble. Even if you aim at humility, there is no guarantee that when you have attained the state you will not be proud of the feat.” Wesley
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This picture of a city swathed in clouds reminds me of the Biblical tale of the Tower of Babel. At the same time it awes us with the majesty of our own creation while worrying us about the consequences of hubris. This is a photograph that allows the viewer to feel very small and big at the same time. The Gentler Sex“When lovely woman stoops to folly, And finds too late that men betray, What charm can soothe her melancholy, What art can wash her guilt away?” Goldsmith
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We are inclined not to think of the women of Afghanistan as having thoughts or feelings of their own; such is their dehumanization by the Taliban regime. However, as this photograph shows, now all women under the burkha are as meek and mild as we might at first suspect. Never judge a book by its cover! Age Shall Not Whither Them“Study the past, if you would divine the future.” Confucius
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This is a moving portrait of old age and a face I could look at for hours without getting tired. What is the look in the old man's eyes? Is it ancient and refined love, wisdom with a long-lived edge? Or is it the tired resigned look of someone who is uncertain what eternity holds for them? A strange, perplexing and enigmatic portrait of age for a world that worships youth. Is There Any Hope?“Something was dead in each of us, And what was dead was Hope.” Wilde
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This picture of a young drug addict called Beavis is taken by photographer Tom Stone. The ironic juxtaposition here for me is the love tattoos on Beavis' hand as he pokes around to try and find a vein in to which to inject the drugs that will surely one day kill him. A portrait of utter loneliness, waste and lost hope. Hope and Love Spring Eternal“If all the world and love were young, And truth in every shepherd's tongue, These pretty pleasure might me move To live with thee, and be thy love” Raleigh
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I thought I would end with something heart warming, to at least counterpoise some of the images that appear above. Although the photo is heavily made over thanks to Photoshop I love its innocence. That love can brighten up a dull city street and make it magical is a lovely idea - the little cupids may be a touch over the top - but forgivable by the message the picture conveys. While there is love, surely there is hope!
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