Tuesday, December 02, 2008

A Powerfully Moving Photo Essay

I normally wait until my muse gently nudges me from sleep or slothful inattention to post some thoughts on my blog. And when I do, I typically show some recent work of mine, or merely jot down a few stray philosophical thoughts about what occupies my mind at the time I post my entry. But sometimes, as now, when I stumble across something on the web that makes my jaw drop with admiration and awe, I just have to pass on the link to those of you who might otherwise have missed something I think is very special.

So...stop reading, and just click here to experience one of the most powerfully moving photo essays I have ever encountered. It is entitled Days with my Father, and is by photographer Philip Toledano.

It is an intensely personal, beautiful story about, and homage to, Mr. Toledano's aging father. But it touches - brilliantly and eloquently - the very core of family, family relationships, caring, and love; and of the Buddha-like impermanence of life and everything sacred. Indeed, in may make you cry (as it did me). It is, in short, an extraordinary work of art; and a testament to what words and pictures can do when the instruments of their creation are in the right hands and creative spirits. I have never met Mr. Toledano, nor have I ever met his father, but through this magisterial work I feel as though I've touched both their souls.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is amazing! Thanks for posting. Beautiful and melancholic.

Anonymous said...

As superb as the photos are, the words amplify that much more. We see a shot of the artist's mother at the beginning, then very near the end we read: "She was right about almost everything." Like Frederic Bastiat's primary aphorism, What Is Seen is often trumped several times over by What Is Not Seen.

Seinberg said...

I agree - this was very good. Even though my parents are only in their 50s, it makes me want to do more portraits of them even if only for documentary purposes.

Big G said...

Thank you for posting that... it was a powerful and moving essay and a wonderful insight into the life of a fine gentleman's family.

I am not too proud to say that the entire essay moved me in ways that I haven't been moved in many years.

A great tribute.

Well done

G

Lindz said...

You are amazing...thank you for sharing something so beautiful. Your pictures and story...wow. Loss for words. Thanks again.

Photo Boost said...

This is truly a remarkable tribute to his farther. It is especially touching as my dad is also old and alone...

Thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

I am glad you found this piece to share. Wonderful.

Eleanor Cavin