Korean Job Discussion Forums

[RACETRAITOR]

[Buff]

[bosintang]

[swetepete]

I remember reading something about that plunging fellow, several years ago. I was under the impression, from that article, that his identity wasn't a mystery: that he was a chef or dishwasher or something at Windows on the World, that he was a Dominican, that he was a religious guy who had his arms at his sides because he was giving himself up to his death in the confidence that he would soon be going to his Heaven.
He does seem to be wearing chef's whites, anyway.
I could see that there would be debate about it though...it's the kind of image that a lot of people would want to claim as their own lost relative. He's not flailing, he seems at peace, he's not on fire, and he made the leap at the time of his own choosing. Probably a lot better than the images one would construct in one's own mind, eh?

[Buff]

When that article was released his family was outraged because they're Catholic and believe that suicide would mean that he would be in hell. The man was wearing an orange shirt under his chef's jacket and he didn't own an orange shirt to their knowledge.

Though further research they figured out that it was more likely another worker from Windows on the World who was wearing an orange shirt that morning when he left. The photo was examined by staff members from the restaurant and the 2nd guy's family members and they tend to believe it was the second guy, but there's no way to be 100% sure.

[ddeubel]

Here are a few more I am also adding after scanning my brain for more candidates....



The face of famine from 1986 (?) in Ethiopia. Here Birhan Woldu is today....



Also, A child at gunpoint by Richard Raskin - he has some great photography! .....



and this famous one on a related theme....



I also watched on ebs last night, a very interesting documentary from World Press Photo, about "The search for the iconic image". They looked at 4 photos from history and talked to many people about what makes an "Iconic" photo. A photo that seemingly touches us, affects us and reaches deep into our subconscious mind. Interesting comments and we do relate to "set" images that are seemingly "more real than real". Form very important, the Christ image, position, perspective.... like the Abu Graib photo , many photos have the image of despair, hand/arms christ like outward...(like the vietnamese girl too..). We also respond to mental symbolism, David and goliath, like the Tianamen tank photo or the soldiers crying.... I wish i could find a copy of the program to share but nothing available....

I'll add this one too. I think it will stand the test of time..



The falling man -- does anyone know for certain if this is really a "still" image? I seem to think it is film but really don't know for sure. Interesting insight also in the documentary about the Nyugen killing photo in Vietnam. Another cameraman was there, recording the event. Just as the gun was fired, someone stepped into his camera and he missed it by an instant. The photo we know, comes from a photographer standing beside him at the time. Would it have been as famous if it had been popularized on moving film????

DD

[coldcrush]

I went to a lecture by Steve McCurry (Afghan girl photo). They tell me a picture says a thousand words, but McCurry would say a thousand words about every photo in his portfolio. By the end, I wished he'd been done in by the Taliban.

[Buff]

[ddeubel]

Coldcrush,

Great article and I can now say I've read something from Time that was really noteworthy. Seems he was just not made of the "right stuff", this world too harsh and confusing for a guy of his character. Damn tragic and seems like so often, "vanity" played a big part, how he got caught up in the glare/lights and contrasted this with his lack of $$$$. Tragic.

I've uploaded a new edition. Just the photos without the commentary. Many new ones and thanks for those who contributed. don't have the link handy but click on Presentations at my site www.ddd.batcave.net and you'll get there.

DD

[RACETRAITOR]

[ddeubel]

coldcrush wrote:

[RACETRAITOR]

[ddeubel]

Ok, that makes it clearer. And yes, images get used for good and evil but are none of either, in and of themselves, I think.

Terrible dilema for him and he wrote about how that scarred him. His training as a photographer, to not intervene and his training as a human being which told him to do something, to help. ugh.....

I used the Abu Graib image I did because I think that one will stand the test of time more than the other one. Why? Because of its simplicity, its symbolism and shape which evoke a martyr. For lots of artistic reasons. The other photo plays to our present passions but I don't think it is "timeless" or iconic. But only time will tell.

DD

[Mosley]

DD: The photo of the Polish Jewish boy has an interesting aftermath that I saw on a documentary years ago. The boy survived the war and later emigrated to the States. The SS soldier pointing the weapon was called "Frankenstein" by those he tormented and was successfully prosecuted after the war, largely on the evidence of the photo. Sorry, I don't have a link or source available.

[ddeubel]