Luc Pauwels’s Article on Globalization

In Pauwels article he explains how cities are documented in many different forms though the use of photography. These range from CCTV cameras, Google street view images and even family photos.

Pauwels:
World cities reframed

“Reframing both these phenomena in the stretched format of the flat-back panoramic Hasselblad Xpan camera establishes synchronous, spatial relations of objects that are wide apart while preserving a strong sense of proximity.”

Pauwels:
World cities reframed

Within the images included in his article there is some interesting contrasts of old and new and the ironic. For example to the right we have a strategically set perspective where this billboard is claiming “It’s a small world” while meanwhile the tree opposite the road has its branches hanging “over” the building. Almost symbolizing the difference between manmade and natural existences.

In the image to the right of Hong Kong we have a contrast of old and new, as the bronze statue of Tian Tan Buddha is set in the background while in the foreground is a car with commercial branding stickers attached. This represents both the culture of the city through the statue visible and the modern day life and merchandising. The use of spatial awareness in this image sets the Buddha’s status above the vehicle therefore representing its spiritual relevance within the city as oppose to the “soul damaging” 9 till 5 jobs and commercialism in the modern day.

Link to the full article by Pauwel: Luc Pauwel's Article