Passage

This image is called “Passage” and was taken in 2001 by Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, a husband and wife team who construct images of their “Everyman” interacting with the earth’s landscape. The ParkeHarrisons have received awards such as a Guggenheim fellow and Artist Grant in Photography from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Describe: This picture is credited to Robert/Shana ParkeHarrison, and was taken in 2001. The subject is a character invented by the photographers, the Everyman, who champions saving our environment and interacts with the landscape in ways that promote healing the earth. In this image, I see a simple, average man working hard to build a bridge across the ocean. Alone and equipped with a hammer and planks, he is slowly making his way toward the dim horizon.

Analyze: The layout works well because it draws the eye to the center of the photograph and the subject of the photo, the Everyman. The bridge extends toward the center of the image and ripples radiate from it in the water, framing the focus point. The color scheme is in dim tones of gray, with the Everyman dressed in black to contrast him with the murky background. The light is dim and creates and eerie mood that adds to the uncanny impact of the image. The man seems to be laboring into nothingness, and the gloomy setting portrays the uncertainty and intimidating distance of the horizon.

Interpret: The artists are trying to communicate the concept of distance and eternity with the image of the unfinished bridge extending toward the unapproachable horizon. I think they made the bridge very rough and simple to communicate the humble capabilities of the solitary man. This also gives the message that all of us should work, plank by plank, to bridge the gap between people and to cure the differences that divide us. The horizon is murky to represent the uncertainty of the future, and how we can inch closer to our goal with perseverance, even we are forced to do so unaided and alone.

Judge: This work is intriguing and deep, luring the reader to ponder the story of the simple man and the reason behind his seemingly ludicrous bridge across the ocean. The work is successful because it evokes concepts that humans have been pondering for centuries, such as eternity, isolation, ambition, and more. It keeps my interest because the subject has not attained their goal, and leads me to ponder what lies beyond the distant horizon. I would not change anything about this work because it is beautiful and provocative as it is.