Quote:
Originally Posted by nothere
More than a month has passed since Fremont 2014. The OCC contributors to this thread have done themselves proud. Thanks to all of you.
In my opinion, this event has become an iconic celebration of the joy of life. Unlike other events that feature public nudity, Fremont is not burdened with angry in-your-face politics or obvious commercialization. It is just creative free spirited fun. In addition to the painted bikers, there are some very creative costumes etc further back in the parade.
Since the event is sponsored by the Fremont Arts Council, I personally make a point of looking for the art component ( immediately after closely admiring the individual participants  ). This year, three photos grabbed my attention in that context, all taken by Klondike/Davidavin. They reminded me of two specific artists and an imaginary character.
The first one immediately reminded me of Botticelli's Venus, probably because of the lady's instinctive arm over her breasts.
The second one is similar to Raphael's well known series of paintings featuring bathers. Willie T also posted some nice photos in this category, but something about the well composed shot of the natural beauty of this Asian lady caught my attention.
The third photo requires some imagination, perhaps like something from The Brothers Grimm. I think of it as the Frog Princess who is kissed on the head by a Magic Butterfly and is turned into a human woman. Davidavin composed the perfect image that begs to have a back story, so this is mine. I haven't quite figured out what happens next to a green skinned human princess later in the story.
Sometimes, in the rush to digest all of the immediate content, some photos deserve to be revisited and viewed through a different lens. |
Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate knowing that I've inspired someone to think and dream a little. The notion of the frog princess reminds me of some tales sung by british progressive rocker of which I am a fan. Nymphs bathing in a reflecting pool. Hermaphrodites. If you google "Fountain of salmacis" you will get naked images. These are memories stored in our collective psych from long ago, a part of our folk heritage, and yes, maybe they inspired some connected to the Fremont Parade. Now if we could all return to that state of being more that once a year....
Also, thanks to gldnegle for keeping the Fremont flame alive also. That girl giving the photog the finger - that guy is NOT me
But back to the parade - what I like most is hearing that it means more to people than just naked girls. Fango also expressed some serious thoughts earlier in this thread. The parade IS special! Think about what the solstice is about. Its like an awakening. An awakening of love and sensuality, blessed by the sun? Could be...
But Seattle is perpetually gloomy! So then maybe thats why a solstice celebration has such meaning there - you sometimes have to go to great lengths to coax the sun out! And in the last two years, its worked!
In my heart, the sun will always shine on Gaswork park, and I will forever thank whatever mysticism, nudity, or just plain luck was responsible for lifting that darkness. (In reality though, it kinda works the other way around
Girls don't get naked and wade in the water to bring the sun out! They will only go in IF the sun is ALREADY out!)
Davidavin (KLondike)
08-01-2014, 10:08 PM
It was great. It seems you could have lots more of other girls. I hope you sare them all.
