Tosin’s Images & Anecdotes (TIAA) is my self-assigned photography challenge of 2022. The immediate objective is to select one image from my inventory (a cityscape, landscape, portrait, oddity, etc.) each week and write something about it. This “something” could be the story behind the photo, a triggered memory in relation to the photo, or simply a reaction or reflection based on the subject matter featured. The long-term objective is to encourage myself to add more content to “La Vue Atypique”, which celebrates its first decade in publication this year.
What can I say about the photograph above?
It’s been five months and five days since Russia invaded Ukraine.
There are so many things I could say about this particular fact but I don’t really want to this week.
Actually, there is something.
I need to learn how to compensate for my emotional empathy (not just with Ukraine, but any situation in which a demographic has been marginalized, dismissed, or persecuted). Too much can be a precursor to depression, which helps no one. I’ve been feeling this way as of late — exhausted, drained, and unable to sleep well. I haven’t been able to explain it given I’m still able to do my work, exercise, and regular activities with vigor.
I don’t know, but maybe emotional empathy overflow might be part of it. Looking forward to the weekend in which I will spend time as a volunteer photographer for Seattle’s DESC, and work on my other photography projects.
This week’s image was captured while I was cycling along Alki Beach in Seattle last month. I see the Ukrainian flag flown in various locations here in Seattle and while I was in Minneapolis earlier this year. Clearly, the invasion of Ukraine and its humanitarian ramifications are still very much top-of-mind for many in America — in spite of America’s own perpetual social discord and myriad of political conflicts.
Nationwide empathy for another nation.
In retrospect, that’s inadvertently and oddly optimistic if one considers this thoughtfully.
30 articles down for the TIAA challenge. 22 remain!
Beautiful image. The way the flag is draped over the replica of the statue of Liberty makes it appear to be a cape. The notion of heroism comes up in both the flag and the statue. There is always hope and there is always exhaustion from the injustice in the world, but then there is always hope again. Keep going! 🙂
Thanks, Kirk. I appreciate your observations and feedback, as well as your optimism.