Chris Dickman (bio)

So begins Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, which has as its primary theme that of resurrection, of rebirth. It's a book worth re-reading at any time but you could make an argument that the events of 2008 have given it a particular resonance with the current mood. There's a definite sense that we're at a turning point, as things crumble around us only to be reborn in some yet unanticipated form. Or perhaps it's just me, in the grip of the classic malaise/euphoria of the approaching New Year, half Grinch, half Santa.

That might explain why I found the images in Decay (Mark Batty Publisher), a recent book by photographers Nathan Troi Anderson and John Putnam, so compelling. Their photos of both the natural and man-made worlds crumbling, fading, flaking, rotting, rusting and molding away hit the spot for me at this time of year, as did their accompanying essays. Consider this from Nathan Troi Anderson, who shot the car image above:

"Are all human perceptions then but pale shadows of decay? A gathering of dancing shadows drifting aimlessly in the endless corridors of human memory? What remains are the pale reflections of decay’s shadows: in the shattered mirror of human life: the broken joy of what once was a smile and the deep trails of time’s ticking wheels on a severely wrinkled face. Here are the crumbled and faded shadows of yesterday’s footprints."

As the year ends and a new one begins, it feels more as if an entire era is drawing to a close. The photos and essays in Decay invite reflection on the transitory nature of all things and the endless metamorphosis that grinds on remorselessly all about us. You can begin with an extract from the book on Graphics.com. But why not take an active role in exploring this theme? The current Photos.com Philter Phrenzy provides seven photos from the book in JPG format, which you're invited to use in the creation of a new work, which you can upload to the gallery. At the end of the Phrenzy we'll pick three images to receive Photos.com subscriptions and copies of the book. Over in the discussion area, the 28th Photo Safari invites you to head out with your camera to bag images of decay in the wild. No prizes, just the opportunity to share your shots and comments with fellow site members.

Well, having depressed everyone, my work here is done. I'm off to wrap some presents. Have a Happy Holiday!

Chris Dickman
Graphics.com | Also blogging on Photos.com