Of things beautiful, ugly, and just plain ironic.
Sept. 11th is a day that makes makes most Americans wish they could sleep in and awaken a day later. I’d say that’s doubly worse for NYers but, you know what, life never takes a break and the only thing any of us can do is continue on with our days to the best of our abilities. That doesn’t mean, however, that we’re not all carrying a hidden weight that day, some more heavier than others. I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that it’s been 7 years already; when did that happen?! And yet the pain of that day hasn’t dulled by much, if at all, and I think it’s safe to say that it never will. So, while it was indeed a solemn day, it was the first time I’ve been able to physically and emotionally photograph the city on that day which is exactly what I did. After all, the main reason I love photography to begin with is because it allows me to capture moments in time that will never happen the same way again.
Where I worked on that day 7 years ago seemed a pretty fair place to start and I simply moved from there, trying my best to get a few shots I felt reflected the way I was feeling right then. Lights are lights right? Big whoop. But whether it be that there’s actually something special about these lights or the fact that I was understandably sensitive that day, I found the Tribute lights beautiful to the point of tears.
As seen from Union Sq.
“Dance like nobody’s watching.”
The date? Sunday, August 17, 2008.
The time? Precisely 5:28pm.
The location? Union Sq., once again, and the consciousness of innocent passerby.
I won’t lie and say that, at approximately 5:10pm, my heart wasn’t thumping like I’d just run a marathon. It was nervous excitement, adrenalin pumping through me in anticipation of dancing my pants off, to my own music, amid a sea of virtual strangers. It was finally time for the second ever NYC Silent Rave aka “Silent Rave Strikes Back”. For those of you not in the know, a “silent rave/silent disco” is a public event, held at a random time, in which all attendees choose their own music that’s blissfully fed to them via headphones. Ipods/discmans (yes, some still use them)/mp3 players/etc. required; playlist optional! And due to the fact that there’s no actual music playing out loud, the rave is “silent” to members of the general public. Silent raves have been popular over in Europe for years and, thanks to exchange student Jonnie Wesson, they’re catching on here like the proverbial STDs your mother warned you about. I say, “bring it on!”
The one thing me and my friend, Melanie, noticed was that the square wasn’t nearly as crowded as it had been for the first rave. That’s right, we were there for that one as well. It made us worry as we were there, not only to dance, but also to try and take some killer photos. But then we saw Jonnie getting interviewed and all was right with the world! We blatantly borrowed from his “quality, not quantity” school of thought and, when the countdown started, we joined in with fellow ravers who’d mysteriously crawled out of the woodwork. Turns out many were merely undercover until start time! Suddenly there was a dancing mustard, the “free hugs” folks, hula hoopers, a robot, some kid in an impossibly large sombrero, a…you get the idea, right? IT WAS A RAVE! And, naturally, all manner of insanity was welcome.
I don’t think I can explain what one of these things is truly like though those of you who’ve ever raved will have a pretty good idea! It’s an event that one has to experience personally, from start to finish, for them to understand what it’s like to somehow bond with hundreds of strangers over the simple love of having fun. My playlist consisted of everything from Nelly Furtado and Rooney to VNV Nation and Marilyn Manson. Me and Melanie shared a headset as we gyrated to M.I.A. while a few couples slowdanced, metalheads headbanged, Kandikids twirled, conga lines marched and a sense of community was everywhere you turned. We worshipped the Raveapple, a pineapple with glowsticks punched into it, yet again! Don’t ask us why; it just seemed like the thing to do so, if you show up at the next rave, be sure to pay our mascot proper homage. 🙂
The Silent Rave can be summed up as follows: “Dance in the streets, not in your room.” Go out and celebrate everything a true rave stands for (PeaceLoveUnityRespect/P.L.U.R) and do it in a way that NO ONE can ignore.
The date? Friday, October 17th, 2008
The time? Precisely 6:27pm.
The Location? Union Sq.
Silent Rave 3. Let’s do this.
All photos here, request permission for use.
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