Utopia (if you want to) Photo

Photographer’s Note

Utopia (if you want to)

Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland

Let's talk about Eurythmy! The lady in the seat next to mine, clad in the obligatory long following garb of all fervent fans of the art, assured her friend that the show was going to be "some of the best eurythmy you're ever likely to see!" Ninety minutes later I was equally able to confirm that it was probably "the only eurythmy that I was ever likely see!"

The pianist certainly did a great job with the Debussy, but this was in no way enhanced by a few middle-aged folk dressing up like extras from B Movie about 19th Century occultism and wafting, both lightly and slightly, up and down the stage.

Fortunately, and fortune smiles upon the enduring, by the end of the performance the harsh light of day had warmed down, and the Goetheanum's substantial balcony provided the ideal platform from which to appreciate the more fulfilling dance of an summer evening storm.

bostankorkulugu, Bartleby, jbemmels, danos has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

scroller (2883) 2009-08-01 13:34

Hej Colin,
Great use of the shadows gives a artistc touch of the stairs in the picture. Well seen and a nice compositon.
Hälsningar
/ Stefan

devimeuxbe (56300) 2009-08-01 14:03

Bonsoir Colin
c'est une très grande image. cadrage parfait. Contrastes admirables. la silouhette est intrigante. Une très grande image qui va dans mes favorites
amicalement
Bertrand

bostankorkulugu (33962) 2009-08-01 23:55

this is just perfect colin... as graphic as i like it to be... and the shadow of the lady adds charm and life to it... cheers... korkut

baba_flies (8091) 2009-08-02 2:28

Good morning, Colin! Beautiful beautiful beautiful! What a tribute to this unusual place. I can firmly "smell" the essence, it is right there but I guess it needs a visit to understand but what we understand is the beauty of this photo. Absolutely wonderful.

I really really had to laugh about your text, you totally sound like my godfather who's sister in law was a Rudolf Steiner teacher in the Ticino area and now moved to Dornach to be even closer. Maybe you were sitting next to her :)))) And maybe you can slightly understand what he went through. I just saw her the other day and she was not from this world. It makes me scream thinking that she maybe was on stage dancing up and down. But I do like her a lot, she is friendly and very smart but sees the world a little different which is fully okay with me.

Oh dear, you should write more serious stuff ... Have a great Sunday ... Barbara.

jbemmels (327) 2009-08-02 2:52

Colin,

Ah, your notes are always so humorous! But really, another beautiful(!) photo. I like the subdued grey tones with just a splash of saturation, the way the unusual shadow pattern cascades down the steps, and the contrast in form with the human figure. I think your picture doesn't quite show what the human is doing or what she could be looking at through the door... a nice interesting detail to ponder.

Cheers,
Jordan

Bartleby (5134) 2009-08-02 3:13

Hi Colin,
some show that seemed to be...anyhow, great capture...the shapes, the various intersecting lines, the enigmatic shadow character...very effective in its mood.

Best,

Philippe

KLB (18279) 2009-08-02 5:53

Hello Colin

Strangely, I'm just discovering your gallery, and I can't explain how I missed it until now... You have so much great pictures !
I had a look on your thumbnails and all are striking and sophisticated. You really have a distinct style.
A real pleasure to see that I haven't explore all the site yet ;o)

This one is fabulous. You've done a perfect use of the strong shadows to realize a mysterious composition, without any mark. The pastel colours soften what could have been a frightening atmosphere...
The silhouette is eyecatching, enigmatic.
Wonderful shot.
I think you will read me more often in the futur ;o)
Sincere compliments.

Regards
Karine

(Oh ! You live in the UK... Hope my english is not too bad !)

danos (33192) 2009-08-02 8:11

Hi Colin,
nice shot with the use of the shadows to create a great effect on the stairs.I like the existence of the woman in your synthesis,as the colour tints of the scene.Well done.

Have a nice arternoon,Danos

sevy (13952) 2009-08-03 5:46

Hello Colin,

A nice and strong composition thanks to the geometric shadows and the stairs.
The presence of the lady, even if only through her shadow, is giving an human presence in what looks like a spider web.

Yves.

Waylim (11147) 2009-08-05 23:43

Colin,
Excellent observation, most people may have just walk by and not notice such interesting shapes formed by the shadows. You found a nice focus point and POV to make it a visually attrative composition. Though very subtle, butthrough different part of the windows, various tint of colors are well captured. It is a very good abstract piece. Thanks Colin.
Way

CMJC (3168) 2009-08-18 6:57 [Comment]

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jonathan_hart (22623) 2009-08-24 7:36

hi Colin,
great composition of the graphic and the woman silhouette !
even the texture of the ground and the subtle range of tones work well
jc