Lumpen Orientalism

Surface abstraction of cities and urban phenomenology.

Poetic surfaces and chiseled writing

Architectural Opportunism in Middle East

I was walking along the alley where all the gold is sold and came along the place where I photographed an old structure and posted it 3 months ago. The speed of new construction here in the Middle East amazes me. Next time I pass the building will be complete.

February 15, 2007

November 17, 2006

Bathhouse with small domes on the ceiling which transfer rays of light to the main space constituted of a central fountain and elevated chambers for resting.

The amphibian landscape

[...] "but they have a body which is of a kind of intermediate nature between all these, of an arid substance, softer than muscle, and in other respects of a nature that may, in strictness, be rather pronounced yielding, than hard. Such, then, is all that they are, and nothing more: in the inside of their bodies there is nothing, except in some few, which have an intestine arranged in folds. Hence it is, that even when cut asunder, they are remarkable for their tenacity of life, and the palpitations which are to be seen in each of their parts." (Pliny, the Elder)

Out on a night of Muharram there are strange contraptions built on top of vehicles which are driven around almost like parade floats, replacing the hand carried lighting used 1,300 years ago or only a hundred years ago. Florescent lights of all colors illuminate these things while feather dusters and other trinkets hang from them for decoration. Snapshots from the car as they are not to be photographed.

Seven Turns alley.

Sprawling 1,000 year old citadel. They said it was deserted but there was a guy guarding a door inside as if he lived there. Further in the dark spaces seemed to hold someone or something; twilight approached and it was too risky to explore every twist and turn.