Dante’s Commedia (Interno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso) recounts his journey from Hell, to Purgatory, to Heaven (the Empyrean). I’ve updated it, recognizing that Dante’s work reflects the universal experience of the teenage years and high school.
Into the Mystic
Today was a probably one of the last reminders of summer that came to an end several weeks ago. I headed out for a walk along the lakefront to catch the mist that hung in the warm sunlit air. Here are my thoughts and several of the images from those magical three hours.
Jack Goes to Prison
Behind Bars. Yes, I went to the Joliet Correctional Facility, or what is left of it. Here are my thoughts, together with the images I made during the four hours I spent behind bars.
Kenosha: The Aftermath
I am pleased to present my first virtual reality exhibit of selected works from my Kenosha, Wisconsin: Aftermath series. I have now made five trips to Kenosha, exploring and photographing the aftermath of the Jacob Blake shooting.
Kenosha II
I returned to Kenosha today to witness President Trump’s visit to the city, and all that would result therefrom. Here are my images and commentary about my experience.
Kenosha I
I visited Kenosha, Wisconsin today to see what the city felt like following the five days of demonstrations and street violence that erupted when police shot Jacob Blake while responding to a domestic violence call. I didn’t encounter demonstrators, but I did find lots of already trying to rebuild their community. Here are my thoughts, as well as the images I created.
Double Rainbow
For an additional image and Jack Siegel’s commentary, click on the image.
Odds and Ends II
I am now out daily with camera in hand, sometimes on foot and sometimes by car. This past week saw me up at Fort Sheridan and the Fort Sheridan Nature Preserve, as well as at the Bahai Temple and the Home Alone house in Winnetka. I also made it downtown to Michigan Avenue, Oak Street, and North Avenue Beach. It has been hot, but as anyone can see, there is still a lot to see and experience.
Odds and Ends I
Photobombed. Jack Siegel has been out with camera in hand virtually everyday for the last two weeks. Here are some of the images that he has made on his outings. Covid-19, Black Lives Matter, and Economic Decline continue to predominate.
Something In the Air
I went for a walk this afternoon (3:15 PM to 7:50 PM) in Lincoln Park. Something was in the. air, but it was not visible to my eyes, so I tried to photograph it. Here are some of the images that I captured.
Opening Day
I headed to the ballpark yesterday for the Cub’s opener. Here are a few images with my thoughts. Covid-19 has left its indelible imprint on everything.
The Big Country
Covid-19 has limited where and when I can go, but I finally am going.
Emerging Slowly from the Dark
The Cytokine Storm Hanging Over Our Heads: Lincoln Park in the Age of Covid-19. Donald Trump didn't create Covid-19, but he foisted it on us by trying to protect his bid for re-election. We now see the world differently. The clouds hanging over Lincoln Park on the last Saturday in June 2020 capture what Trump has done to the U.S. Hopefully bluer skies are in the not too distant future.
Bernie in Chi Town
Senator Bernie Sanders brought his presidential campaign to Chicago on March 7, 2020 for a massive rally in Chicago's Grant Park. Somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 supporters participated in the afternoon rally. Sanders spoke for 35 minutes. He relied heavily on well-worn phrases and proposals, including Medicare for all, immigration reform, and elimination of student debt.
Russian Renaissance
The award winning Russian Renaissance appeared In Chicago today to exhibit their virtuosity. The quartet performs using traditional Russian folk instruments, including the balalaika, the button accordion, the domra, and a contrabass balalaika. They played a variety of world music, including works by Béla Fleck, Tchaikovsky, Django Reinhardt, Galliano, and De Abreu. It is obvious why they have played in major concert halls throughout the world, and won the 2017 Prize Competition
Big Diehl (II)
Aaron Diehl and Warren Wolf teamed up at the University of Chicago to take on the Modern Jazz Quartet's legacy. Here are Jack Siegel’s thoughts and images from the concert.
Snowy Darkness
Today Chicago was hit with another sloshy snowstorm during the afternoon and early evening commute. It look several hours for the slush to become white snow cover. The Loop was filled with commuters heading the the train stations. For my images and thoughts, click on the image below.