La Défense

[Gianluca Drago]

Going through my old photos I came across this one. It is the late 19th century monument "La Défense de Paris" in memory of the siege of Paris in the Franco-Prussian War. In this juxtaposition between the old style of the statue and the new style of architecture surrounding it, one seems to sense the fear for the future. While we today in Italy, Europe and the world are beginning to feel a legitimate growing fear of a past that is pushing to return.

Paris, 2009.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Very arresting and impressive shot, Gianluca. The new architecture seems to denote a faceless internationalism, while the old tries to remind us of a lost indomitable spirit that has alas been dominated.
I see in the white cloud a giant cat-featured god, just before the Paw of Judgement strikes!

 

[Beth Anthony]

yea, they can take that building. for liberty!

 

[Brian Moore]

Dramatic!

 

[Gianluca Drago]

Very arresting and impressive shot, Gianluca. The new architecture seems to denote a faceless internationalism, while the old tries to remind us of a lost indomitable spirit that has alas been dominated.
I see in the white cloud a giant cat-featured god, just before the Paw of Judgement strikes!

Thank you, Rob! I can see the cat.

 

[Ralph Turner]

I like and agree with Rob regarding that tension between old and new. The way the building seems to be almost looking directly back at the old guard gives extra emphasis. I'm still looking for that cat, though..

 

[Gianluca Drago]

I'm still looking for that cat, though..

It's more of a lion, than a cat.

 

[Ralph Turner]

It's more of a lion, than a cat.

Ah, now you've mentioned it, I can see it perfectly!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

It's more of a lion, than a cat.

I thought cat was funnier.

 

[Shlomi Ofir]

That is a strong image

 

[Gianluca Drago]

That is a strong image

I hope "strong" is good in this case, so thank you, @Shlomi Ofir

 

[Paul Taylor]

It is a good "strong" in this case. It is a very striking composition with the subjects of the statue "looking" towards modern society - and inspires some thought on generational judgement.