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Tim May | all galleries >> :Asian Journeys:: A Collection of Galleries :: >> A COLLECTION OF GALLERIES::China -September 2007 >> GALLERY:: Impressions of Beijing, China - September, 2007 > Kite Flyer
Beijing, China September 2007
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16-SEP-2007

Kite Flyer
Beijing, China September 2007


I don't often do this, but, I feel like I want to add some commentary to this one. I feel as if this image has elements of the China I saw. This was made at the Summer Palace, the home of the Dowager Empress. She is represented by the graceful hand on the kite. The kite flyer is the man of today. We saw many kite flyers on our journey. And, looking closely you can see a Nike logo on his hat, which for me embodies the economic changes in China.

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Iris Maybloom (irislm)10-Apr-2008 23:50
The hand on the kite points upward as do the eyes of the flyer indicating the kite's journey to be. The intensity of the eyes speaks to me about passion and challenge. We certainly saw this look, as well as the look of joy, on the faces of many kite flyers throughout China. It's interesting to note, however, that all of the kite flyers we saw were men. Despite the Nike logo, the old traditions stubbornly hang on.

This is a great image,Tim.
Phil Douglis09-Mar-2008 23:54
Yes, and by limiting your impression of him to only his eyes, you intensify that look to the sky here eloquently. Less certainly becomes more in this picture.
Tim May09-Mar-2008 21:51
I often wonder why kite flying is so attractive. It is after all material at the end of a string. But I think there is something spiritual about the looking to the sky and riding the wind. I hope that his eyes turned to the sky alludes to that spirit.
Phil Douglis09-Mar-2008 20:34
I love your commentary -- you make us see this image in a new light. You use a close vantage point to abstract both kite and man. My own interpretation tells a different story -- as you put it in your comment, he brings the past to life. (http://www.pbase.com/image/86307172 ) In your image, the past comes to us through your caption. In mine, it is in the design of the kites and the old bridge he stands upon.