The Mysterious Statue : IR Photography
Introduction
In the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK there is an architectural oddity in the form of a large statue perched on one of the walls of the civic centre building. I have yet to find out what it represents but have heard people referring to it as "Spiderman" due to the way the figure is "sitting" on the wall. I suspect it probably represents some character from classical (Greco-Roman) mythology.
These photos show a lot of detail and were taken using my IR converted Canon EOS 450D with EFS 18-200mm lens. In this case the IR shows certain details that would otherwise not be apparent in regular wavelengths of light.
It gives it a a very high contrast "graphic novel" feel to the images which I feel is fitting. Unfortunately due to the position of the statue relative to the building I was limited in the different views and angles I could get of it.
On some of the closer images you can see that the statue has no face. There is hair but the front part of the head is missing. Perhaps this is a clue to the identity?
If you have any ideas please let me know. I hope you like the photos.
If you like my work please follow me and check out my previous photography work and tutorials @thecryptofiend - hope you enjoy.
Technical Information:
Canon EOS 450D with IR conversion
Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens
Adobe Lightroom CC and Nik Silver Effex Pro for processing.
(Verification for me here: http://www.aapicture.com/about-me)
Great shots! I found an explanation at http://www.northumbria.info/Pages/tynegod.html.
River God Tyne (1968); Sculptor: David Wynne; Location: Civic Centre, Newcastle. Materials: Bronze. "Commissioned for the new Civic Centre the 'River God Tyne' is one of the eight rivers represented on the sculptures on the front of Somerset House, London dating from 1786. The original mask was surmounted by a basket of coals surrounded by a variety of motifs and emblems symbolising different trades peculiar to the Tyne Valley. It portrays the river God in human form, a fountain within his outstretched hand coursing a constant stream of water along the tortured and twisted torso of the aquatic diety."
Thanks. That is some great sleuthing work.
Ha! I was just posting the same thing! I was going to guess Zeus because of the way he's pointing down from above. But he's a river god! Just as cool, in my opinion. Great shots @thecryptofiend! You captured the statue beautifully.
Thank you:)
Wow that is epic!
Thanks mate:)
It seems that he is pointing towards something.
For sure is from greek mythos, but I don't know what character.
His legs seem to be ok so he is not Hefaistos. He doesn't have wings on his legs so he is not Hermes.
He is not trying to lift or break the walls so he is not a greek champion/hero like Hercules, Pollux.
Overall I canot place him.
PS: Superb photos!
Thanks for the great comments. Yes I definitely get the feeling of a classical mythological figure but I too cannot figure out who he is meant to be. I don't know what the missing face means. He is pointing at the ground but there is nothing there (not in real life at least). I love the fact that this 1960s (I suspect it is anyway) building has this fantastic piece of sculpture so prominently on it. They have another sculpture in the middle of the building as part of a fountain and atrium. I might have some photos of it somewhere. That sculpture is more avian in form.
Stunning photos. You definately have the "creativity" streak within you to come up with those superb angles and shots. Beautiful stuff, buddy.
Thank you:)
really cool! I like these photos, the IR provides an interesting black and white feel that isn't the same as you would get from just decolorizing a photo. Very nice!
Thank you:)
Cool subject. I look forward to seeing more IR stuff. Followed!
May be a while. I sold my IR camera to raise money to replace a broken portrait lens it was my beloved 85mm/1.8 which I really couldn't live without . Anyway I have a spare Nikon D7500 that I could get converted when I have enough cash but then I would need to have enough to buy an emergency backup camera too lol! Photography is never cheap. I would like to try some IR video too though. It's definitely something I'll do when I have the time and money and a functioning Left eye as I tend to use my left eye a lot when shooting.
The old statue is really mysterious, you can't actually find out what his face looks like but the only thing is for sure, his actions looks like a hero who is willing to protect his country.
Yes as one of the other posters found out he represents a river God for the local river. He has no face though.
wow! you have a different way of taking pics
I'm amazed by the angle you choose to take the shot
I like the second post the most - you took the whole statue
and it almost look like it's sliding down that wall -
effectively photographed!
Thank you:)
I like your work!
Please take a look at my bnw photoset here :)
https://steemit.com/photography/@lordemau/teatro-rossi-the-theater-of-shadows-in-pisa-italy-original-photosoot-creative-commons
Thanks for commenting and voting I will take a look:)
Excellently exposed image. full blacks, pure whites. good composition.
good images m8 :-)
Thanks:)