In the recent series of posts with the theme "Two Guangzhou [X]" I deliberately provided little context for each of the photos. I have posted photos in a similar format before before but not so many in a row. Initially, I had planned to conclude the series with a post exploring how additional context of one type or another could make an impact for better or worse in each case and then consider some broader issues. Since the process has happily caused me to think about many things and the series went on longer than expected, I would like to hold off on that post and possibly do it in pieces in the future. But I don't want to leave things completely hanging right now, so I will share a few very informal thoughts about each of the posts. They capture, sometimes indirectly, a tiny bit of what I had in mind and also offer a little more . . . context.
1. "
Two Guangzhou Roses" — My attention was first drawn to the graffiti due a friend who I thought would appreciate the art, even though the artist unlikely had her name in mind. I usually wouldn't consider that context important to share here though. Instead, I wondered how I could best express the environment in which they were set and the degree to which graffiti is common there.
2. "
Two Electric Toys for Sale Outside in Guangzhou" — While I mentioned the locations where the photos were taken I left unmentioned that both of the small lanes are just off of a popular pedestrian street. Does that added piece of information matter? Well, depends . . .
3. "
Two Guangzhou Cokes" — This time I offered no details on the locations. Both photos were taken in the same neighborhood though. While the eateries themselves were common for the area, the I hadn't seen many similar examples of the advertising nearby.
4. "
Two Guangzhou Eateries" — Both examples here are in the same general part of the city along with all of the examples in the previous posts. The main items — rice noodle rolls and congee — at both restaurants are traditional Cantonese foods, and both places are favorites of locals.
5. "
Two Guangzhou Law Firms" — Now we are in a different part of Guangzhou. Although I saw both examples during a single rather long walk, they aren't very near each other. The locations may seem less relevant here for what caught my eye — the contrasting styles of the signs — but they may play an important role.
6. "
Two Guangzhou Samples of Text" — Some relevant context for this post could be that this was far from the first time I have seen sample text left on signs or clothing. I did mention that I had seen both in the same day, though people could read different implications into that. Also, it could be worth mentioning that the shirt was for sale at a somewhat-pedestrian street targeting younger people. More about that street another day.
7. "
Two Guangzhou Trains" — Since the two photos were taken from different vantage points, some people may not realize they both capture the same railroad crossing. More easy to spot, the photos included different trains. One is of the high-speed variety and the other is not. This was all pure luck. I was making my way to one part of the city and knew I would need to cross the railroad tracks at some point. And of course the way I chose was temporarily blocked when I got there. The delay was worth it.
8. "
Two Guangzhou Garbage Bins on the Go" — This last post only included a single photo since there was no need for a second. Just yesterday I saw a similar vehicle towing far more than two garbage bins. Unfortunately it disappeared before I could photograph it.
OK, that is all for now. Maybe this answers some questions. Hopefully this raises some questions.
