I don’t live in this apartment building but I did grow up in close proximity to an air force base. I always heard neighbors complaining about jet noise and I never understood the problem. I never found the distant rumble annoying (or even noticable with other home appliances running). Then again, I also love thunderstorms! Sharing a street with an L Train might be a different story.
It’s been interesting to me to see/hear people’s responses to this image over the last couple weeks as I’ve shown it around different social media outlets. For many Americans it seems to evoke an association with terrorism, specifically memories of the September 11 attacks in 2001. I was shocked at first to receive these comments as these themes had never occurred to me during the production of the image. I’m curious about how people might have received this image had it been released prior to that event. Without the negative associations with America’s recent and tragic history, it might have been just a compelling piece of street art. I suppose that’s the amazing thing about art; you can impart all the intention and expression you want into your work but people are going to perceive it through their own personal lens of experiences, culture and values. That’s what keeps art relevant throughout the ages and the main reason why I endeavor to make my images as timeless as possible.
For any who are uncomfortable with this image, let me put your mind at ease: the plane pictured here is a commercial jet liner and if it were actually in danger of colliding with this ten story building (which is relatively close to the ground in contrast with commercial flight altitude) it would appear MUCH larger in proportion to the building! Of course, I’m being somewhat facetious. All levity aside, thanks to those who have commented and shared what this image means to them. Another wonderful thing about art is that it does indeed provoke us to feel, to react. Whether we are simply taking joy in something beautiful or struggling with an uncomfortable confrontation, it can pull us from our busy lives and remind us about what things are small and insignificant, and what things are important or central to who we really are. I am thankful for that.
5D Mk III with 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens. ISO 100, f/4, 1/80 sec.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4.4 and Adobe Photoshop CS3.