(In)Justice

Photo: © Stan Banos

I remember when they crucified Anita Hill in the '90s for the sake of the pubic hair fabulist (and Supreme Court Justice to be named) Clarence Thomas, he who decried Affirmative Action, only to employ his own very personalized version to outwit and defeat his critics in a basically All White Congressional 'jury,' by ever so sanctimoniously declaring himself the victim of a "high tech lynching." Giving credit where credit due, it was the most effective and sickening display of playing the "race card" by someone who professed to be so adamantly against the slightest hint of it. And the very same White Congressmen who most profoundly condemn said "race card" whenever allegedly used in society at large, cheered wildly as he unashamedly owned and abused it to his, and their advantage.

We were again treated to the same basic storyline in 2018 when human beer mold Brett Kavanaugh was accused of rape by yet another totally believable and truthful female witness, one Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Mr. Kavanaugh lashed out against those who doubted his denial of the accusations with some rather vehement verbal attacks and histrionics that at times bordered on the unhinged.

But this time- there would be an FBI investigation! I remember watching a former FBI agent on a cable news channel describing what such an investigation would entail. He assured viewers that such investigations were thorough beyond imagining, where no stone would remain unturned. Every friend and acquaintance of either party would be meticulously investigated, witness reports corroborated, and agents would personally drive Ms. Blasey around until the house in question where the alleged rape occurred would finally be located and confirmed! Have no doubt, all would be revealed...

Of course, none of the above happened. With Trump at the helm, it was a most deliberate and guaranteed whitewash specifically designed to get his man in. And once again, yet another absolute shit of a human being who openly mocked and degraded any semblance of law and justice was gleefully seated on our nation's highest court. 

Now comes a documentary called Justice, a film that exposes key bits and pieces of viable (and incriminating) information that were purposely ignored, not pursued and intentionally left out of the official 'investigation.' And one can only hope that the film throws open this case anew and ultimately leads to something akin to its title...

Baldwin Lee

 

Photo: © Baldwin Lee

One instantly senses a feeling of connection and intimacy when viewing Baldwin Lee's photographs taken in communities of the Deep South. So it comes as a bit of a shock that he is both Asian and an outsider. How did this once shy photographer find and connect with his subjects? Well, to start things off, he'd go directly to the local police precincts, inquire as to what neighborhoods to best avoid, then take himself directly there- gotta love it! 

Not exactly a household name, he has compiled some of the most powerful portraits and insights into Southern communities of Color ever put on film. How work so sublime can remain so obscure for so long always puzzles, and ultimately delights...

For The Skeptics

Finally! The Phenomenon is a sober, well produced documentary on the major events of UFO history. Praise the Lord it's not another TV "reality" based docudramedy complete with repeated video snippets, followed by the same edits in slow-mo ad nauseum... It's a refreshingly coherent, well documented, linear history of the major events that have transpired these past 75 years, that includes interviews with: pilots, astronauts, law and military officers, astrophysicists and everyday close encounter witnesses (including school children, and their teachers threatened into silence).

It just came out- watch while still free and available (and make sure to listen to the closing credits)...You have to be well beyond skeptical to dismiss all the information, evidence and witnesses that are presented here offhand- not that that will stop Neil deGrasse Tyson from dutifully mouthing the official party line. 

ADDENDUM: Well, that was uhhh... Quick! Oh, well- snooze ya lose; two free days better than none. If memory serves, it had stated it was released 9/30/2022- when it actually seems to have come out in... 2020!? Hhmmm... still very much worth the $4.00 rental any way ya cut it!

South Bronx Photo Central

I finally got to visit The Bronx Documentary Center as it was busily preparing its current and most timely exhibit on the Russian debacle in Ukraine. A little gem of a storefront in the heart of the South Bronx, it is also the home of the Tim Hetherington Photobook Library (open by appt), a fantastic one room selection of photodocumentary works to which I was privileged to contribute my own collection, and that will soon be expanding. A short half block away is their annex, which houses an even larger exhibition space- BTW, not only does the latter have a pressed metal ceiling... it has pressed metal walls, and ya don't exactly see them everywhere!

When I arrived, Michael Kamber, hammer in hand, looked like a one man wrecking crew, except he wasn't destroying anything- hanging, aligning and directing everything and everyone (a dedicated team of diverse young bloods) in a last minute frenzy to get the whole shebang up and ready by showtime that night! Ya see the guy and you understand just how he's able to accomplish all he's done and continues to do, one very intense (yet most hospitable) looking guy built like a Special Forces Master Sergeant, you get the feeling he usually accomplishes what he sets out to do- did I mention he speaks Spanish like a native? 

Anyway, Urgency! Ukraine is only up for two weeks (due to prior show commitments) and features some of today's leading photojournalists with some truly strong imagery- a panel discussion will be held on 6/28 featuring some of the exhibit's photographers. Be sure to visit whenever in the NYC area- the IRT #2 or 5 will get ya there...

TDS!

Surprisingly enough, this marks my 11th Blurb book- and even more surprisingly, I actually have some good news concerning one of those books, which I will divulge in the near future. And that's not something I get to say every day. But on to the news at hand... 

Trump Derangement Syndrome is my latest (and therefore greatest), a conglomeration of all photos Trumpian amassed within the last five years. Admittedly, it's a thoroughly one sided affair, and visually, that was not premeditated- it is simply the result of the demographic in which I reside. Photographically, I would have preferred to have documented more than the one photo included depicting the pro-Trump side- politically, I have not been shy in stating where I stand concerning the man rat fucking bastard. I believe he is the biggest domestic threat to whatever good this country has achieved, and stands to achieve, now and in our immediate future. He elevates ignorance to a virtue (while exploiting the very people who revel in it), and extols and disseminates prejudice and bigotry to divide and set ourselves against each other- to better allow him to yet again ignore, reject and ultimately pervert and overturn our law and system of government.

Yes, I have TDS, completely, undeniably- we avoid it at our peril. His cronies have already been legally positioned to overturn election results in key states- no matter what the results! "Just say it's corrupt- and we'll do the rest!" What further admonition of his own sheer audacity to embrace and propagate corruption and illegality do we need hear!?

But I digress... and fortunately, the book, unlike my verbal rants and analyses, does have it's share of visual levity and entertainment within its images- something I rather rapidly lose when discussing its very subject...

As usual, I'm not imploring anyone to actually buy it (and I don't make a dime on any purchase), but if you do like the images, you may want to consider getting the PDF for $5.00- the downside is that you don't get the actual physicality of the book itself (which is always kinda nice), but... the cool thing is that- the images onscreen are actually much better than the printed version, and at a much better price!

Deep Blue Insanity...

I knew this would be quite informative, but I held off watching it for months, because I knew it would also be incredibly depressing, and hard to watch. It is. And if you eat fish, use plastic, or just plain don't give a shit... you-are-culpable! Point being, dead oceans = dead planet. Translation for Trump supporters- it means you're dead as well: no matter how much you deny, scream "Fake News," try to ridicule, or shoot on full automatic...

Looking For Leo...

Power, Greed, Money, Politics, International Intrigue, Sex... No sex. Huh!? Nope, No Sex- actually, not even a little. Weird, right? But you can easily double down on all the rest. All involving this one little painting originally bought for a few grand and ultimately sold for... $400,000,000! Ladies and Gentlemen: Leo's Salvator Mundi; yeah, that Leo- da VInci. So, who bought it, and... did Leo really paint it? Yup- fun and educational!

 Addendum: And can't leave this one out either!

Check That Box...

 

Portrait of Man in Decline...           Photo: © Stan Banos

Don't know about you, but I've never been comfortable with the way I look. Some people are-  no matter what they may particularly look like, and I kind of envy them. I would never be able to look upon myself on a billboard or a movie screen- a computer monitor proves difficult enough. Yet, most people regardless of their physical attributes relish the very sight of themselves- the bigger the better, often in more ways than one!

The past (now almost) two years have been difficult enough trying to find things to photograph, with vacant streets all around and travel so strictly limited; many a photographer has been searching for subject matter. I've taken my share of pandemic related photos, even tried my hand at stitching a coupla digital panoramics here and there; and now in this indecisive, are we winning yet scenario, the desperation continues...

So I figured I'd try and take on my personal photographic taboo- the self portrait. I've now had a work smartphone for about half year- not one food shot or selfie to be found anywhere. But I got to thinking that I'm at the age where what I looked like for the vast majority of my life will (very) soon be permanently obliterated by the ravages of time, which granted, would not be that bad if only the resulting consequence isn't almost guaranteed to be... far worse. So, after decades of resistance, the challenge was finally accepted- create a portrait of yourself you would not be ashamed to include in your portfolio (more or less). 

I started with some evenly lit shots in my living/dining/bed room which had a distinct old, lost guy motif. Which might be a good theme in five or ten years, but the very antithesis of what I was presently trying to portray. Usually, I'd stop right there telling myself this is exactly why I never indulge this lost cause. Instead, I heard myself saying that this is just part of the learning curve, besides... the very reason you're doing this now is because there's little else left on the to do list at this particular time!

Then I somehow got to thinking about Rene Gelpi's portraits, and how only some 0.5% of my photographs are vertical. Yet another challenge. Could I somehow wrangle something worthwhile somewhere within those aesthetics? So I tried again... This time, I uhhh... switched venues, eventually stacking three books atop the toilet lid no less so I could get the needed elevation. And although I can't say I'm 100% satisfied (not even quite sure it's really in focus), the composition's fairly strong, and it at least strives for something more than just an adequate representation, which any worthwhile portrait should.

One thing became obvious in the process- the real time feedback of one of those side twisting, flippy screens would be infinitely helpful for this kinda project! And being that no one knows when this goddang thing will end (if only we had some magic cure that could nip it in the bud with a quick one-two), maybe (as in, maybe, but I really doubt it) I'll try it again to get everything down just right... just that- I'm really sick of looking at myself...


PS- The real artist is in the background- Julie Wilson!

Say it AIn't so...

Is it honest? Hell no! Is it any better or worse than Eugene's slight of hand? Hhmmm... I just don't understand why they didn't just say that they used AI on three different instances and provide transcripts of those instances at the end. Problem solved, if ya ask me- not that...

Beyond Caring- Paul Graham

One of Paul Graham's seminal works, Beyond Caring, has been republished- I caught a glimpse of it the other day at the Leica Gallery in San Francisco and the reproductions looked luscious. I wanted to spend more time with it, but I was approached and advised that they were closing. At first I thought I was just being harassed again... recently I was deemed suspicious (I still got it!) and diligently followed by the security guard at a Container Store- apparently I was gonna jet with a coupla 30x40x20in plastic containers beneath my armpits! But they're (surprisingly?) very polite and courteous at Leica- guess I'm forever scarred from frequenting NYC photo galleries.

Copies of Beyond Caring could be found in every bargain book bin like discarded, overflowing sardines in just about every NYC book store in the eighties and nineties. You could pick one up for about $15 bucks- now they're going for well over... $500, and the reproductions suck next to the new $70 version. Beyond Caring and Troubled Land were Graham's formidable one/two knockout combination that shook the art and documentary worlds to their foundations by the innovative and previously verboten use of... color! It's also nothing short of a minor miracle that his photos are even in focus (not to mention creatively composed- no flippy screen then) since he had to shoot many of his pictures: from the hip, in relatively poor light, and with a medium format camera! And they still retain their raw power, beauty and urgency!

After Troubled Land, Graham feared repeating himself (understandable) and went on to produce more experimental work (to say the least), including a book that consisted solely and completely of close ups of film grain. I-kid-you-not... wouldn't have believed it myself unless I'd seen it with my own two eyes- and someone actually paid to print and publish it!

360 Blowback!

Walking through much of San Francisco, I feel as if a ghost- surrounded by memories of happier times when it felt like I actually had... a life. I've avoided the block where I used to live for seventeen years while married in San Francisco since the end of 2019. Just couldn't bring myself to walk past- too many remembrances, too much pain. This week I did, not for the reasons one might think, but because I wanted to reconnect with the guy at the neighborhood bodega called O'Looney's (hilariously named since it's been owned by a Palestinian Muslim named Mohamed for longer than I've known). I got to know two of Mohamed's sons when I lived there, and we would get to talking about life in America and Israel/Palestine- the latter of which I obviously knew nothing about. I learned for instance how the wall that Israel constructed separated Palestinian farmers from their olive trees, which would then wither and die- and would then allow Israelis to comment on how typical of Palestinians to squander and neglect whatever assets they supposedly owned.

This time I learned something truly shocking and enlightening- that Israel had directly contributed to the creation and empowerment of Hamas! Huh- Wai... Wha!?! I almost told him to stop, to reconsider what he had just said- ya know, the self serving, delusional, propaganda part. Fortunately, the wiser part of me told me, "Shut up and learn, dumb ass!"  Long story short- in times past Israel thought it a smart move to aid and abet those directly opposed to Arafat's power base. Divide and conquer- Win-Win! Done and done. What could go wrong?

Something most worthy of American exceptionalism and hubris! America could have made Afghanistan terrorist proof had they simply invested a mere coupla million for schools, doctors and basic infrastructure after chasing Russia out with Stingers; but it was voted down- way too expensive. We rather wait and spend Billions later on down the road while we kill several thousand! But I digress... Later that evening I saw Final Account:

P-A-N-D-E-M-A-N-I-A!

A year and a half in the making, P-A-N-D-E-M-A-N-I-A! has been something we have all experienced- to whatever extent (hopefully not the most extreme), wherever we live. Those of us who have emerged whole with jobs, homes, families and health intact are the lucky ones! We can look back at our discomfort, inconveniences, trials and tribulations as a rather unique and unfortunate chapter in our lives- not the trial by fire others did not escape.

Now that we start to reclaim the lives we led before the great disruption (or begin the new ones we have forged) is perhaps the best time to: let loose, reflect, mourn, rejoice, plan, relax... do whatever required to make ourselves whole- and perhaps realize that we can much better face future calamities working together for a common good.

P-A-N-D-E-M-A-N-I-A! is not so much the solemn, somber look back at the worst of times (those are yet to come), it's more a somewhat light hearted reflection on the daily disruptions, adaptations and insanities to a situation we did not foresee, but nonetheless endured...

Please Note: Once at Blurb, make sure to click on arrows on upper right to view and embiggen. Copy discount should you choose to purchase (I do not make profit- either way).

Pandemania!

By Stan Banos

Papa H

I know nothing of writers or writing. While interesting to learn that he achieved international, rock star status for his literary exploits, I'm definitely not a big fan of Hemingway the man after watching his 6 hour PBS bio. For someone who considered himself so enlightened of the human condition, he was very much the average racist/misogynist of his day who used as many people and killed as many animals as he could during his lifetime. Yet another artist whose work could achieve genius, but whose dominating personality never wandered far from loathsome.

I think his son pretty much nailed it when he referred to the oft mistaken notion concerning his supposed love of his adopted, island homeland and its warm and welcoming populace, "I don't think he ever gave a damn about the Cuban people."

Natalie Keyssar

 

I've really been off put by all the Alex Webb imitations of late. And then I saw this, and couldn't stop looking, and haven't stopped since- 'cause it's... Transcendent! And Ms. Keyssar is quite the individual.

 

 

Photo: © Natalie Keyssar

Why - We - Take... Photographs

Be it pets, loved ones or special occasions of any manner, photography is still the most direct and personal port of entry to those memories and experiences we so treasure and choose to remember...

Tales From The Tour Bus...

A series of short, episodic, gems: each and every one containing more than its fair share of laugh out loud outrageous hilarity, believe it or not historical factoids and bits of semi profound wisdom... whether or not you like funk, music or life itself. The perfect antidote for the Covid Blues!

 

 Addendum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lDYeraPn2M

For Your Consideration...

Strange Bedfellows Indeed!

Relax, calm down, take-a-deep-breath.... There are some things on both sides of this issue that I could readily believe, some that are beyond ridiculous, and some that I am just damn up in the air about- which is the exact purpose of (Russian styled) propaganda- throw up enough seemingly credible scenarios and explanations on all sides so that everyone in turn throws up their hands in collective confusion, despair and ultimate... disengagement.

I have no idea if Covid 19 came from a Chinese wet market, or a man made weapons lab (actually, I lead to the former). And if the latter, yeah, it was planned- and don't tell me that neither government would do such a thing. And... I have no idea if Bill Gates is doing more harm than good, more good than harm, or just raking in more millions with a cosmetic halo (well, definitely the latter- regardless of the first two). 

Here's what I definitely do know: vaccines have saved countless numbers of lives/vaccines can and have caused debilitating, life long injuries. Big Pharma would sell each and every one of their your mothers for an extra buck. Vaccine makers cannot be sued or held liable for any injury or death their product(s) cause- at least that is the law in the US of A. Our current administration has given B-B-B-Billions of dollars to companies that have never produced a vaccine, to produce a vaccine in record time (translation: the usual safety protocols and testing will be compromised- guaranteed).

"I don't need facts to back up my feelings" is not a viable option. And even if everything in the video below is true, it still means the disease is out and about amongst us- so not wearing a precautionary mask when in proximity to other humans for the time being is both selfish and stupid. And no matter your politics, no matter your side of choice, one more thing is most definitely certain- we must make the time and effort to hold our governments accountable!

Plandemic II: Indoctornation - powered by ise.media

(click close on commercial to watch film)

Human

Pretty incredible film- the last 2 volumes the most powerful...

Americans Parade- George Georgiou

For someone who kinda prides himself on not owning much, I recently almost killed myself and a couple of friends who helped move me- and my 16 boxes of photo books weighing about 65lbs ea (down 3 flights... then up 3 flights).

After swearing to sell, donate and never buy another- here I go again... Hi, I'm Stan Banos and I'm a photobookaholic...

And how can I resist? I mean look at these photographs, each one a minor miracle compromising a major masterwork! Each image of Americans Parade by George Georgiou is a wonder of nuance, composition and detail that speaks to the ages.

Somewhere Along The Line

Joshua D. Greer - Somewhere Along The Line from Kehrer Verlag Heidelberg on Vimeo.

Of course, I'm a sucker for essays like this- good ones, that is. And this counts as one of the best. The Great American Road Trip, The Open Road- Frank, Shore, Sternfeld... you get the picture. Somewhere Along The Line by Joshua Dudley Greer does not disappoint- I couldn't find a photo I didn't fawn over for the first two thirds of the book. 

And this book does two things: it brings the geographic and economic expanse of modern day, early 21st century America into view in its captivating compositions, and it doesn't hold back- this is a country that is hurting, and this is a book that doesn't shy from showing it "from sea to shiny sea." Accidents, sinkholes, homeless encampments... a homemade billboard in the midst of a field bears a phone number with the words, "I need a kidney."

This is also the first road essay that actually makes the road a main focus of the photo essay itself; America's highways and byways are the main character here, not just a mere cameo presence as in most of this genre. This is not a tourist itinerary of America by a long shot, it's more hardscrabble America on the go, still proud and industrious, but in search of its bootstraps nonetheless...

It makes us rethink and reenvision the America we've known, and the America we think we know. One of the last photos is of a junk yard in a vast expanse where yellow school buses surround the junked cars held within- we're still circling the wagons...

Photo: Joshua Dudley Greer