Encyclopedia - microcosm (from Greek mikros kosmos, "little world"), a Western philosophical term designating man as being a "little world" in which the macrocosm, or universe, is reflected. The ancient Greek idea of a world soul (e.g., in Plato) animating the universe had as a corollary the idea of the human body as a miniature universe animated by its own soul.
"I like a lot. I work a lot and I love it."
"It pays."
"Yeah, fine."
"It's not bad. It's not too difficult." (Cynthia)
"Mmm hmm." (C0-worker)
"I can't stop to talk."
"I'm just grateful I have work."
I like that story. :) thats a neat idea using a word as your theme. microcosm... cool. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that you chose to photograph Walmart workers...brilliant.
ReplyDeleteNice job using text and images, so Sophie Calle ;)
ReplyDeleteI like the text with the pictures. I think it adds to your pictures...but some of the looks don't necessarily look as you said
ReplyDeleteSome of the blurriness detracts, especially in the aisle packer guy. But I love the personality of the workers.
ReplyDeleteI actually enjoyed the text along with the picutres, as someone already mentioned it reminds me a little of Sophie Calle
ReplyDeleteThough the text you provide represents one possible interpretation of the images (perhaps based on your interactions with those employees), in almost every case, I see happiness, though sometimes mixed with liberal amounts of real life or disappointment.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I find myself strangely drawn to the name tags. After having seen the faces, it's the second thing I looked for. Though only half the images have nametags, I feel they provide a particular thematic interest.
Comparing the nametags of the two subjects in image #4 provides a certain amount of reinforcement to their facial expressions, the one more being more forthcoming than the other. I wonder how strong an element that could become, if played up in all of your photos.
Nicely done, though be careful of grain your camera has for indoor shots.
I like Wal-Mart as a microcosm. I think if you had more photos just documenting all aspects of Wal-Mart and its employees your message would really come through that. The captions dont do much for me as I don't think that they accurately describe what is going on in some of the pitures. The quality of the pictures isnt that great, but for me it only adds to the whole feeling of Wal-Mart because the lighting there isnt that great since it's such a cookie-cutter giant store taking over the world. I like it.
ReplyDeleteI liked image 2 the best. One suggestion though would be to clean up the focus a bit. The graininess detracts from the overall message of the photo
ReplyDeleteGreat choice of location. Usually think of all the unusual people I see shopping there. I've never really thought about the workers. There's a lot to be said there. I like that you asked them about their work. Their responses are captured nicely in the photos. If they weren't so grainy it be a lot better
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