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monday, august 1, 2011
Decline of
the American Empire
"Decline of the American Empire" -Vogue Theatre
1987
This image has many underlying themes - our difficult
financial times currently come to mind.
The movie, by Denys Arcand, which was well reviewed, won
9 Genie Awards in 1987.
The theme of the movie is of four couples spending a
evening together for dinner. In separated groups
of women and men, conversations of politics - and sex in
particular - turn to the sexual exploits of each.
The title is about morality in various topics, and opens
up a can of worms.
Addictions and poor decisions are good friends; they can
be separate, but enjoy each other's company.
The world of addictions are many - Alcohol, Drugs, Food,
Gambling, Sex, Tobacco. The list is long...
Let's make sure we add to that list of addictions the
desire of Greed and Power.
K. Core Seaman for President, 501 16th Street
1987
A sharp and articulate gentleman, K.C. used to spend a
lot of
time at the corner of Glenarm and the 16th Street Mall.
He felt strongly about politics, and put in his time
doing what he thought was right in campaigning "for
President".
His favorite slogan line was "Fumigate the White House"
- he would repeat it many times over, handing out
literature all the while.
The year was 1987.
For additional images and
commentary, please
refer
to my post on The Vogue Theater.
CHESTNUT STREET
Looking Northwest at the Hungarian Flour Mill
1992
This image is located in
the "Bottoms" area of Lower Downtown. Chestnut Street
and Inca Street are mid frame. The 20th Street
Viaduct, just demolished, would be on the far left.
Taken from inside a soon-to-be-installed concrete water
main, this image is wonderfully framed by the inviting
circular curves.
The building on the right would eventually be converted
into the Hungarian Flour Mill Lofts. The lonely tree at
the left is still living...barely.
This area is just west of Coors Field and was the home
of scattered, small warehouses and very few people. The
Platte River is beyond the Flour Mill building to the
west.
James Bond/Goldfinger would be proud of this "bullseye"
of an image.
For additional images and
commentary, please
refer to the
Bottoms Area section.
23RD STREET VIADUCT
AREA
Looking
Southwest from beneath the 23rd Street Viaduct
as excavation of Coors Field began 1991
This image is rather
ominous looking — dark and cloudy, rubble and debris. A
lone campaign sign for Governor Lamm hangs above; large
cranes in the background signify the beginning
construction of Coors Field.
From under the 23rd Street Viaduct, we are looking
Southwest into Lower Downtown; one block left of this
image is Blake Street. To the right is the
"Bottoms" area, and one of the few inhabited buildings,
the Skyline Cafe.
Beneath this grime of an image is a jewel — the entire
area would soon to be renovated and revitalized to
become Coors Field.
Looking
Southwest from beneath the 20th Street Viaduct
at the Ice House and surrounding area 1986
This image is, once
again, layers of black and white, each strata containing
meaning and character.
The reflection of the Ice House smokestack and water
tower add even more interest to this scene.
All the images I have taken were carefully composed.
These are not snap shots. My composition and
foresight has separated me from most other
photographers; my work is not a lot of fluff.
The Atrium building is on the left, the Ice House is
center, the Union Pacific Headhouse is on the right, and
the soon-to-be Coors Field is directly behind me.
The Keg Steakhouse, the Chophouse and many, many other
new businesses have since opened and injected vitality
to this area. It was this beginning in Lower Downtown
that catapulted the entire City of Denver into a strong
and powerful city of the American west.
Go Denver.
For additional images and
commentary, please refer
to the Viaducts section.
- Kim Allen |
