Amy McVaugh, 2.17.13, Artist Post

 This week I chose an artist whose work most everyone would be familiar with, Steve McCurry. His most familiar photo, "The Afghan Girl" was taken in 1984 and published in National Geographic in 1985. Her beautiful, haunting eyes and tattered clothes acknowledged an unspoken story of these refugees as people, not just characters in newspaper articles. It would be very difficult to look at this young girl and not view her as a real, live, human being worthy of compassion and interest. What did she ever do that caused her to flee from her home? What hardships lay ahead of her and her family? Are the people running the war living in these same conditions?

 

  The second photo is of a homeless woman in the United States.She is sleeping on a city bench, emblazoned with "Free lunch/limo ride". The obvious contradiction portrayed is very sad and makes me wonder if she selected this public bench as a safer refuge then a back alley or is she hopeful someone will come by and offer her a meal? Why is she so tired? Is she sad or lonely? I also wonder if she is in need of medical treatment.Why is an elderly woman alone on the streets? Where is her family? Where is social services? Does she live this way by choice? Why would we allow our elderly to live in squalor when the United States is one of the richest  nations in the world?
 The third photo makes me very happy upon first glance. This boy is obviously thankful. On one hand, when I realize he is happy because he is carrying his food source, I share in his joy. On the other, I look at the background with the primitive tools and walls, notice his very worn clothes, and hope the lamb doesn't get sick and die before the boy can harvest some milk or meat. Will he have to go hungry while the lamb grows? What happens when this lamb is gone? I feel both pity for those who live so questionably but yet envy the true appreciation for life and the thankfulness this boy represents.

My fourth picture catapults me to concern, alarm, desperation, and fear. Mr. McCurry definitely makes me want to know what is wrong with this boy and how can I help right NOW! I want to stop what looks like might occur. I want to know why this is happening, where is this child, where are the adults? Why is a child so young alone and sad or is he frightened? How did he get a gun? I want to intervene and fix the problem and keep this child safe. What happened to this child?

I selected Mr. McCurry because his photographs portray real life. He makes me examine myself and my life and think about the world around me. His photos portray all emotions and speak volumes without words. They are real, purposeful and thought provoking. Not only is he an effective storyteller, he reaches to your soul and propels a person to examine their conscience. How do we contribute to society? What can one person do? You can visit his website athttp://stevemccurry.com/expeditions