I shot this back in September 2019, when I did a nostalgic return to Manchester after almost forty years since my last visit. Even though I travel up to Bolton every other week from Nottingham to watch the Wanderers, I have never been back to Manchester since I graduated from Uni' in the late 70's
This is a statue outside the station entrance, it was unveiled in 2018 to commemorate 100 years since World War one. The sculpture is named "Victory over Blindness" and depicts seven blind figures guiding each other and walking together; their likeness are based upon real veterans who all suffered blindness as a result of action on the frontline.
My Grandad was in the trenches, he was subject to a mustard gas attack while standing guard on a sentry post· He returned home injured where my Grandma helped nurse him back to full health.
I waited until a commuter appeared as I tried to show a modern day person leading the line, a juxtaposition between 2019 and 1918 !
A very contrasty image indeed. I refer not to the tones of the b&w but to the subject matter: the contrast between the injured 'men', reliant upon one another, all bowed by their experiences - and the 'whole' person purposefully and independently striding out, head held high.
Lots to think about in this. Love it.
December 12th, 2019
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Lots to think about in this. Love it.