Shades of light

This is from a series called the Architecture of Authority. I'm not certain why I'd bring a sobering and hauntingly beautiful photograph like this up right before Thanksgiving. Perhaps it is my deep inclination to play the other side. The light at the end of this tunnel looms almost ominously, not certain whether it is freedom or something far worse at it's terminus. Soft colors and subtle texture of the wire mesh belies its purpose of hiding what we do not want to see. I wonder if this sort of place can create the sense of penitence we hope it does. I doubt I would be so happy with the group of people who placed me here. So much money and time to design this highly functional place to fester wounded souls. Do they even want a light at the end of the tunnel as we sit to eat ourselves sick on my favorite holiday of the year? I wonder what would make a man, controlled by a faceless, forgotten national system, be thankful.

I promise to post happy things, I am a fan of balance. But reality is both light and shadow and to look away from the difficult darkness is to deny ourselves. Consider this and then enjoy your holiday free of guilt and full of life.