Thursday, September 17, 2009

Streets Ahead

A Mud Hut In The Middle Of A City Thoroughfare

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


This was shot in Calcutta, India, in October 2006. It might look like a mud hut in the middle of a city street, but allow me to explain.

This was shot during the Pujas, the period of Hindu festivities that is a long celebration of colour and light. This is actually a re-creation of an Adivasi village hut and was merely erected as a temporary attraction in south Calcutta.

By shooting from this vantage point, I was able to shoot through the hut, proving a view of the street on the other side. The two figures in the first image are clay renderings - but if you look through the open doorway on the far side of the second image (below) you actually see real people in the distance.


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

16 comments:

Hilary said...

I love the view of the street through the open door.

Rosaria Williams said...

What a beautiful tradition!

Maggie May said...

I love photos looking through archways and doors.
Great shots with a difference!

Holger Thomas said...

The perspective is great, it creates real depth.

Janie said...

Interesting. At first I thought it was the Indian version of the old witch's house in Hansel and Gretel!
Nice shot through the house to the street.

Sylvia K said...

A beautiful tradition indeed! And I love your photos of the doors and archways, really lovely! And as Maggie May wrote, great shots with a difference! Yes!

Sylvia

Unknown said...

I love keyhole views do you have any keyholes within a keyhole within a keyhole within..

ArtistUnplugged said...

Those is a neat shot, from the inside. The people do appear looser and friendlier! I love the designs around the door opening.

Elizabeth Bradley said...

It seems to me, Indian and camera go hand in hand. great shots.

Eve said...

Oh wow... what a neat display!

Anonymous said...

Very cool view! India intigues me. I must go when the economy here is improved.

Anonymous said...
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Shadow said...

that is lovely!

Maria said...

I liked the pictures. It's coming up to Puja time in Kolkata again.

Eleonora Baldwin said...

Tradition!
I love it

Ciao Maestro
Lola xx

spacedlaw said...

How big was this, David? It looks tiny like a doll house.