Monday’s photo ruined at least one visitor’s day, and I’m surprised I didn’t hear from others. So let me clarify:
I consider it my job to photograph all that I find interesting or beautiful about New York City, without taking any position on the merits of the subject. Photos in the past, for example, have sparked discussions of whether graffiti is art or vandalism (or both). (On the other hand, I’ve also been accused of over-romanticizing New York.) I keep my opinions to myself, mainly because I want my photos to be viewed unencumbered.
I don’t mean to let myself off the hook; I’m not a documentary photographer or a photojournalist. I choose what to shoot and what to walk away from, what to emphasize and what to downplay. That’s art, and I approach this town as an artist.
It isn’t possible to fairly represent New York City inoffensively. That’s the nature of our thriving, diverse society, which I’ve made it my mission to portray as artfully as I know how.
Joseph O. Holmes
You are doing a great job Joseph and while I don’t blog here as much as I used to I still look forward to every photo you post and even have a few prints of yours hanging here in my house (which is the only art I ever purchased). I don’t think you can be an artist and not offend some people some of the time.
Completely agreeing with Singe.
Keep going on, you make many people very happy with your art.
One of the first things I do after I have switched on my pc is going to visit your website.
After that I am ready to face the day.
My comment was for the author of the note, and was prompted by the comment left in praise of it’s humor. Provocative art is usually apreciated all the more for being so. I honor your objectivity, Mr. Holmes, and meant no critism to you. I hope you would be equally objective enough to portray a good shot of a slogan aimed at any other religion as well, as the case may arise. I have enjoyed your blog for several years, whilst dwelling in and outside the city.
Hi, Scott —
I realized your comment wasn’t directed at me specifically, but that the photo caused you some offense — and I knew it might cause that kind of reaction in my visitors. That’s why I wanted to make a statement about my own philosophy of presenting my work.
I always enjoy your comments, and I’m glad you wrote what you did about Monday’s photo, because I like to hear how the pictures affect people, and because it gave me a chance to clarify my own thinking about how I present photos.
And yes, I will always include an interesting or beautiful photo that poked fun at anything, including subjects dear to my heart — that’s only fair and, more important, that’s what makes for a lively photoblog.
Where did u take this photo n what is it — an outdoor basketball court of unique colors?
It is indeed a basketball court, in the Lower East Side.
I agree, exactly, with what Singe said.
And also with what Hans said.