This week, capture something broken.
By Beijing-based artist Ai Weiwei had an exhibition on Alcatraz, the famous prison-turned-US National Park in San Francisco Bay. His artwork recognized dissidents and activists who, like him, have been detained and deprived of their rights.
Since Ai Weiwei is not allowed to leave China, he conceptualized this Alcatraz show from Beijing; he has never stepped foot on the island.
He transformed parts of the former penitentiary into a space that challenged our perceptions of freedom and imprisonment: in one room, a massive colorful dragon kite and other winged creatures floated across the space, which was at once beautiful and sad, as they were stuck inside, unable to break free.
The exhibition also played with and incorporated the walls in Alcatraz: old, dirty, broken. I peeked through panes of glass and watched other visitors, like a prison guard. Other times, it felt like I was being watched. The broken windows and walls were tools for and symbols of surveillance — which Ai Weiwei often comments on — and created interesting angles, too:
For this challenge, capture something broken: an old window, a vintage sign, a toy never fixed, a contemplative friend. Or go deeper: find beauty in something broken.
Happy photographing!
I really like the contrast you caught between the broken window and the young people of the future. I also like the way you lined things up to pull us into the background of the photo.
janet
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Thanks!
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interesting approach to the meaning of the word ‘broken’ … 🙂
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Great topic again …. and a fantastic image.
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Not many “broken” shots in my shoebox, but I found this one: http://wp.me/s3gqMf-stranded
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Burning harbour:
https://insellos.wordpress.com/2015/05/23/weekly-photo-challenge-broken/
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during my daily stroll, I came across this flower bud that had yet to blossom – but had been broken at its stem..
http://wp.me/p51zdQ-jC
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I like this topic. Here’s my bit of broken glass:
https://sonntagsknipser.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/zersplittert/
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Great idea! I have found something broken in Rome, Italy. And it might have been well worth breaking it, who knows….
https://mattvonp.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/weekly-photo-challenge-broken/
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Great theme. I think have just the photo!
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Here is my entry:
http://cubusregio.com/2015/05/22/photo-challenge-broken-kaputt/
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Great topic Cheri!
Here is my entry for this week. ENJOY.
http://ceenphotography.com/2015/05/22/he-daily-post-weekly-photo-challenge-broken/
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My take for Broken: http://lonelytravelog.com/2015/05/23/broken/
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There is life and purpose even in the midst of brokennness. Broken is not finished! Just ask Hippie Tom….
http://scillagrace.com/2015/05/22/weekly-photo-challenge-broken-is-not-finished/
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I really love this photo challenge.
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https://retirenicaragua.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/weekly-photo-challenge-dem-broken-bones/
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Interesting topic. I may do more, but for now, mine is a delicious food dish from Switzerland (though I made this in my kitchen in Utah). https://nadiamerrillphotography.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/weekly-photo-challenge-broken/
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What a great prompt! It’s good to draw attention to such a fascinating exhibition and I knew what pictures I’d be sharing straight away.
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Saw this walking along an old railroad bed a few months ago. I have walked or biked along here for several years and had never seen it before. See at: http://wp.me/p3CFsE-1w0
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Wonderful theme, wonderful image, and wonderful shots. Always something worth thinking about. Here’s what I’ve got …
http://2812photography.com/2015/05/22/everythings-ruined/
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Garbage is garbage everywhere… https://indacampo.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/nothing-to-see-here/
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great top: https://solaner.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/weekly-photo-challenge-broken/
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Here is mine…
http://aanprihandaya.com/2015/05/23/broken/
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I love this challenge! Broken can mean so much…the literal or the abstract…here is my abstract versio of “Broken”: https://thephotoseye.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/weekly-photo-challenge-broken-mirror-of-haute-couture/
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Great topic! Here’s my photo: http://wp.me/p10iHd-Ht 🙂
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One of my all-time favourite places to visit. Highly recommend taking the tour. Love the photo!
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Yes! Since we were there, we did the normal audio tour as well, which is fantastic. In all my 35 years of living in the Bay Area, I’d never been to Alcatraz. I posted more images here, if interested: http://cherilucasrowlands.com/2015/05/03/ai-weiwei-alcatraz/
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Awesome photos!
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a great and interesting theme! i love the interpretation. 🙂
https://theeclecticeccentricshopaholic.wordpress.com/2015/05/23/broken/
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http://fakeormistake.net/2015/05/22/broken/
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Great topic! Here is my Broken https://pilvipouta.wordpress.com/2015/05/23/the-daily-post-broken/
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Here is my take on Broken. I’d love to hear your thoughts 🙂
https://thegracioustraveler.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/weekly-photo-challenge-broken/
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Thanks for the inspiration!
http://thirdeyemom.com/2015/05/22/broken/
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my entry :https://theraotown.wordpress.com/2015/05/23/broken/
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