A TRUE BLUE BRESSON-ian

'The simulataneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event as well as the precise organisation of forms which gives that event its proper expression....In photography, the smallest thing can be a great subject. The little human detail can become a leitmotif.'

Henri Cartier-Bresson.



Tabish once told me that the reason photographers sometimes choose to click black and white photographs is because the subject automatically gets emphasis and stands out with a glaring clarity. I love the nostalgia it evokes. An old school charm, a hint of stories untold, a mist of exciting secrets. Lovely.

Henri Cartier-Bresson chooses a beautiful woman for his subject in this photograph. And if you notice carefully he manages to capture her so sharply and coherently. Everything and everyone else in the photograph is just blurred enough to make her an object of your affection. The shadow of the lady walking beside her falls so perfectly just beside her. I wonder if that was intentional.















This is one of my favourites. Not so much for the photographic appeal as for the significance of the story Henri Cartier-Bresson tries to weave. Stories of devastation and challenges that still give birth to a sublime mirth and joy.
The laughter of children is pure and complete.
Love this one.










Stunning. A man seeking desperate solace from his own self, and losing himself almost inadvertently in the colossus of brick and cement. I have not been able to determine the subject here quite convincingly. Any takes??









My personal favourite. Reminds me of one my favourite paintings called 'The Umbrellas'. Probably the attire.
It tells the story of so many women with similar lives but individual tales.
For me it reflects a satisfied pace and lethargy. In a land of little opportunity perhaps. A conscious capitulation.

I want to hear what you have to say about this.



Thank you. And come again.
Yours Bresson-ian.

13 comments:

The Greatest Midget said...

Speaking of photographs...you have the party pics? :P

Crizzie Criz! said...

well, just check a coupla these blogs. My favs. A couple of them you wouldnt understand what is written in them. But the pictures, you dont need to understand the language to understand them.

www.oddshots.blogspot.com
www.kumarnm.blogspot.com
www.thulasid.blogspot.com

Tathar Faelivrin said...

The man.
He's tired. Only men seek to resolve their problems in an empty space. And talk to cats.

The alley.
Is his arm-chair. The city is his worry.

The subject.
Even the photographer will never know.
Atleast thats what i think. Brilliant photograph.

Tathar Faelivrin said...

the last photograph.
Well i'm not sure....

Seems to me like every woman in that photograph will look up to the sky the very next moment.
Its...well its disturbingly simple.

Too cramped.

Anonymous said...

the last photograph is the most touching and disturbing of the lot i guess..of individual tales and similar stories..tht sums it all..

Anonymous said...

and yeah..i liked the moonlight sonata..
it sounds different with your eyes closed..;)

MISSquoted** said...

ajit: yes i do have them. i shall mail them to you. sometime. eventually.

crizzie criz: i am on it ;-)

thick blochh red sun: the last photograph actually captures more than one subject quite convincingly. i dont like 'subject' anymore. makes me sound like i know more than i do. and i dont know enough.
yes i think the alley is the subje...aaaargh!
;-)

anonymous: thanks for the insights.
i really need 2 disable the anonymous comment posting feature!
but then again what really is in a name.

MISSquoted** said...

ashwin: somehow i felt that the man manages to create his own space in ALL that room ;-)

Salil said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Salil said...

A Beautiful Woman in a crowded room, the object of desire for the men who stare on in lust, and envy for women who talk in hushed tones,,,, is she aware of it..?

There is still Hope, and their resolve to find Joy in simple things will not be broken..... Baghdad (Iraq), Kabul (Afghanistan)......

The man, the Cat, the Alley... Brilliant Photograph... I am with gagan on this one...

I am confused on the last one, what hits me though is the little girls, with all the freedom, hopes and aspirations in the world, will grow into these HIJAB (Burkha) wearing women, A Black Tomorrow..!!

MISSquoted** said...

salil: dark beads adorn her white blonde hair, her dress attracts with its fitting fall and just a hint of invitation.
of course she is aware ;-)
do think about this...the men and women looking on mean glamour and fame.
without them she is but a muse...

as for the last photograph, the black and heavy ensemble does reflect oppression theoretically.
but i CANNOT see it. i see another day, another story and no perpetrators of that oppression.
i see routine, thoughts and dancing children ;-)

Unknown said...

No matter what u say abt the last photograph..no matter how much opportunity and freedom u can see there...no matter where in the world and in what beautiful nation these people live in..

no one would ever barter this life for that one ...
wud u?

MISSquoted** said...

gagan: true. but i am not admiring that photograph for the reasons u mention.
i am admiring it because i can see beauty in their world...