Vision of Oaxaca, a photo from Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Photographer's Note

I am not sure why, but this picture sums up the vision of Oaxaca (not the Zocalo, but few blocks away from there) for me. Maybe it's the influence of "Labyrinth of Solitude" by Octavio Paz that I read just before my trip and the Andre Breton quote (below) that was pointed out to me by a friend when I was trying to conjure up a general vison of Mexico.

Theme: Four days back in Mexico

"Mexico is naturally surreal"
--- Andre Breton

Well, I could not resist the force. So, over the Memorial day long weekend a friend of mine and I took another trip to Mexico. I only had 5 days and wanted to spend time in both Mexico city and Oaxaca. Arrived in Mexico City on Thursday afternoon (May 24th). Walked around the city that afternoon and the whole Friday. Took the midnight bus to Oaxaca. It's a fabulous option as you sleep and commute at the same time without wasting any time. Reached Oaxaca at 7 am Saturday. Spent the whole Saturday and Sunday in Oaxaca and the neighbouring villages, and took the midnight bus back to Mexico City on Sunday.Back in Mexico City on Monday morning 7 am. Took anothee bus to Puebla for the day and back to Mexico City that night. We were exhausted, but the Pueblano mole is definitely worth the trip. Back in the US on Tuesday (May 30th).

I wonder whether there are cheap tickets to Mexico during the upcoming 4th of July weekend.

nbj, AnimeshRay, designsoul, michiels, syd1946 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

nbj (2097) 2007-06-12 12:46

i like this composition, as well as the colors, the light, and the eye of the woman.

AnimeshRay (9089) 2007-06-12 13:34

I hardly appreciated the punch of this photo from the thumbnail....a really interesting one with a fascinating story. A rare treat, Prantik, and truly.

OK, here too we have your subject looking at you ;-)

polter (7239) 2007-06-12 18:11

Great. The one very special in your style - daily life surrealism. There is a very special bound between you and Mexico i think. greetings T.
PS. I read your note and Andre Breton quoting - so it is not only your personal vision, it's possible Mexico realy looks something like that :)) ?

Luko (14000) 2007-06-12 18:15

Mexico's getting weirder and weirder, to me.... looks both lively and colorfully deserted...A labyrinth maybe, but a straight one then.

I am now looking towards two options, one of them is Mexico, your pics and what you say about the country are creeping on me.

PS : Looks like you're giving teeth aches to young ladies, don't know whether that's good or bad for you.

Furachan (0) 2007-06-12 19:24

You've got those South of the borders down, Pranti, you own them, man... Pole sticking out just right here bissecting the frame, the girl's singular eye monetarily on you, and hat FORD logo apt somehow.
Good stuff,
Francis

[workshop] [compare]

chc (1468) 2007-06-13 3:52

Very strong Prantik. It's working like an punchy abstract of what you've already posted on Oaxaca.
Christophe

designsoul (17843) 2007-06-13 22:32

Perhaps the first shot I have seen by you made in Mexico where a face is visible to our eyes... partially... and in a way that adds even more ambiguity and mystery than the faces turned away. I don't even know if the hand belongs to her or someone else; if her eyes are staring at you imploring you or curious about something... That solitary pole near the centre,with this abandoned-looking city with a feeling of eerie silence and secrets, perfectly positioned, adds a great graphic punch to it all... superb work. You're right, it probably does sum up Breton's vision.
sasa

michiels (4170) 2007-06-14 15:38

hello Prantik,

Even in the tumbnail i recognize your style . A great style and i like it very much. Cinematographic view of a great place.
greetings, inn

syd1946 (1167) 2007-06-15 7:36

Hello Prantik,
Interesting,very interesting capture of the scene.Except the right timing,the whole scene with the girl in the corner is an eyecatcher!Nice note as well with the words of Andre Breton explain a lot of things about this photo!

Greetings,
Thomas

vagabondtravels (6511) 2007-06-15 8:08

Hi Prantik

Great comp. Very sharp with good detail. You really have captured oaxaca here. You bring this street scene to life. Great work.
Ben

brevbrev14 (140) 2007-06-18 3:35

Hi Prantik, i love your vision of this country..
You have a particular feeling with it...and this come out from your images...always so special..
I like the division in two parts here..you are always able to capture something special from the place and from the people...
Great work again..
ciao!
Valeria

nerve (10231) 2007-07-11 23:50

"a naturally surreal".. so true! (i would love to go to Mexico just for this reason, ;)

nice compo again. dunno if you cropped the woman's face, but it works..

BennyV (32570) 2009-10-03 8:07

Don't know if you're still around here, but WOW do I like this shot! This deserves a big, big print on a wall.

Benny