Life, in the realists Perspective

Three photographs have been selected from the gallery to provide the basis for this discussion. The selected photographs display similarity in the representation of life. Life is not life without challenges, without pain or without fears such is life and it is beautiful.

In life, one is bound to encounter different experiences every day; some are sad, some scary and some disturbing though there will be better days still. The photograph selected for this discussion illustrates a public assassination. It evokes emotions of fear and confusion. Unexpectedly, everyone seems calm yet the woman is in desperation. Unaware of the fate that ahead of her, she is covered in blindfold about ten feet above the ground with sharp metal awaiting her landing. The people are calm, observant and waiting patiently to witness life put to an end. The thing that strikes me in the photo is that while the scene appears disturbing, the audience is less concerned. From their behavior, it is possible that they are used to such events. It may be a common practice in this society, and everyone is invited to witness. Fate is part of life, such is life, and some experiences are extreme.

Sometimes we have to let go of fear and to enjoy resources that nature has to offer. The photograph selected is that of people participating in sky-diving which is perceived to be a life-threatening activity: Together they set aside their fears and plunge into the deep waters. Dressed in diving gears, and their airbags stuck to their back, they appear to be flying. Several feet above the sea level they drive towards the ultimate fall into the waters. What strikes me in the photo is the sense of contentment, freedom, self-satisfaction and unity of the participants. They are determined and driven by the desire to conquer their fears and enjoy life. Indeed there is unity in purpose. The focus and uniformity of the participants is striking too. Despite the danger, they are fearless though well prepared. However, they have taken necessary precautions to ensure their safety by wearing the right garments, airbags among other equipment. Life can be fulfilling if only we can break away from the fear of the unknown.

Regardless of the status and the role play, always set aside some time to enjoy life. In the third photograph, the lion is passionately playing with the lioness. Despite being termed as the king and the queen of the jungle, the lion and the lioness still get time to play. The two of them alone somewhere in the jungle and away from the rest of the inhabitants decide to engage in a little game. The lion in a show of might while the lioness is pampering his ego and enjoys the moment. With the rising dust, the game may have been going on for a while. The striking aspect of this photo is that away from the jungle hunting and fighting, the carnivores still find time to play. It shows that there is another side to the king of the jungle away from conflicts. With the lioness confidently playing along shows that no matter how dangerous one may be, there will always be people who appreciate and are not threatened by potential. It is also striking to see that Kings and queens play too. This is a real reflection of life in that; besides the hustles of life, besides the status, there is a part of us that wants to enjoy peace and freedom regardless of one’s status.

Without challenges, without fears, without weird and beautiful experiences we may never appreciate life. Moan whenever the situation demands and celebrate when the moment calls for it. The three photographs discussed above display different life experiences both beautiful and the ugly. The first photograph illustrates an end to life with the victim awaiting public assassination, it is sad and disturbing. The second photograph presents a beautiful though scary scenario but portrays a feeling of freedom and contentment with the characters having fun by engaging in skydiving; a life-threatening activity, what is life without taking risks? In the third photograph, we see that regardless of status, there is a part that wants to have fun away from the world. With all its challenges, with all its pain, Life is still is beautiful.

See below photographs discussed in the essay.

Photograph #4

Photograph #10

Photograph #8