Boston Tea Party Is Child's Play
Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHONDid I catch your attention with the picture above? The "babies" were all part of a recent Melbourne presentation from The Arts Centre and Experimenta Playground, down at Southbank. They were in big coloured teacups that moved by rotating slowly, with enough momentum to thrill but not swift enough to cause any torque.
It was a free exhibition that lasted four weeks and those who enjoyed the interactive artwork, video installations and short films could donate a gold coin if they wanted to. The teacups were large enough to hold several children and adults and this one (above) caught my attention because it was front-on and the shadow on the concrete was strong in the sunlight and in perfect symmetry on the concrete.
This shot (above) is probably a good depiction of the scene as well, because it shows three teacups in different colours. It was taken about an hour after the other two pictures - and I was just lucky that this trio were in almost-perfect formation.
I'm a little creeped out by these photos. I have no idea why!
ReplyDeleteYa, the display seems a little eerie to me as well.
ReplyDeleteThere appears to be a speaker on the baby's diaper in the third picture: was sound coming from the babies themselves?
David,
ReplyDeleteAlmost forgot. I was wanting to ask you something in a slightly less public forum…do you have an email address at which I could contact you?
I'm with the boys on this one...Great pics David, but those 'babies give me the creeps too!
ReplyDeleteBaby tea? Baby teacup centrifuges? A neonatal Alice in Wonderland themepark? Babes in Saucers? I'm stumped...
By the way...the limerick is posted!
http://poseidonsmuse.wordpress.com/2007/10/07/the-bloke-from-sydney/
Cheers!
What, the "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" ride with babies and potties instead of a tea pot? I'd rather go back to Disney World and take a spin there to celebrate my un-birthday! :-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, great photos! I'd love to know why the artist took the visual clues from Disney's interpretation of the Carroll novel.
I must confess I rather like the quaint looking cups of the Disney ride in Orlando. ;-)
those are beautiful in form, but disturbingly weird..
ReplyDeletePEace, Kai
Excellent "how to shots" David.
ReplyDeleteI love how they have NO eyes...but all HAVE pacifiers...that is funny :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way...my mom, on the phone this evening, was raving about your photography skills on your blog :)
Bradley
The Egel Nest
G'day Dan,
ReplyDeleteI found them odd, but in a curious sort of way. I wasn't repulsed - truly!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Luke,
ReplyDeleteFrom what the staff member told me, that was something like a virtual ``happiness register''.
And yes, of course you can ask me anything you want. Just drop me your email address here as a comment and I'll reply by email.
(And I'll remove the comment that carries your email address if you want.)
Keep smiling
David
G'day Poseidon,
ReplyDeleteLoved your limerick - s I commented on your site! You did really well, because there ain't many words that rhyme with Sydney!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Merisi,
ReplyDeleteVery pertinent observation about the Disney-Carroll tie-in.
If I ever see 'em again, I'll ask the question on your behalf!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Kai,
ReplyDeleteWeird, yes. Without doubt. But they didn't offend me, as a journalist or as a photographer.
They were a great burst of colour.
Enjoyed my visit to your site today.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Mushy,
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly, generous sir.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Bradley,
ReplyDeleteYes, that's what caught my attention as well. Please tell your Mum I am seriously very humble to hear what she said about my photography.
I am self-taught, after my wife told me a couple of years ago that I had a good eye for photography.
That simple comment started me on my journey ....
Thank you (and your Mum as well) once again
Keep smiling
David
I like all the color in the photos. I have to admit, I have never seen anything like that before with babies, just those teacups at DisneyWorld, and we have a ride that comes to the one festival around here called The Strawberry Festival, which is shaped like strawberries.
ReplyDeleteYou always have something that's interesting and unique here! I hope you have a great day David.
The pictures are great, but I think I am in the creepy camp as well...What is a "virtual happiness register"???
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteGreat. You can drop me a line at lukedockeryATgmailDOTcom
Thanks.
Ahh, the teacups were always one of my favorite rides.
ReplyDeleteYep, creepy, but well done.
ReplyDelete