This often seen but now dimly lit tunnel in Aldridge park made me think of the weeks theme of obsession. Tunnels seem to hold a lot of power in popular culture, often seen as metaphors for many things. There's the "Tunnel of Love" (love = obsession?), there's also the idea of having a "light at the end of the tunnel": a metaphor having a joint meaning of there being a good conclusion to a long and arduous journey as well as being a metaphor for the journey from this world to an afterlife (as in "follow the light!"). There's something about tunnels that capture our imagination. Is it that being underground is associated with death and being buried? (Archeological studies have shown that humans have buried the dead even prior to the invention of agriculture.)
In Western Cultures (and perhaps others) there's often a variety of urban myths surrounding urban tunnel systems. Examples: London's tunnels (some believe) aided Jack the Ripper; Rome's tunnels and catacombs became (in popular imagination) a meeting ground for the occult; Paris's ancient sewer systems aided and abided criminals of the state escaping execution during the French Revolution. UC Irvine itself has an interesting subterranean tunnel system connecting various buildings that holds a certain campus lore.
Granted the tunnel depicted in this entry isn't a proper subterranean tunnel, however it still reads as one same to me and holds some symbolic power.
Obsessed is defined as, "an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind." When we're in a pit of obsession, we often don't feel like there's a way out. We roll something over in our mind again and again. We feel stuck with no way out. As an image I imagine being stuck in a hole with no way out. Or perhaps lost in a tunnel, only dimly lit as we follow the light at the end but with no clear knowledge of how far it will lead or to where.
In this image, I like how the tunnel itself is so well defined by ceiling lights, leaving shadows on certain areas. The exterior of the tunnel is dimly lit by a street lamp, and I can just barley make out the end of the tunnel on the other end, again dimly lit by a street lamp. It's as if all that exists is the tunnel and the rest is darkness, leaving my animal brain with a sense of uncertainty and fear.
Very nice! I love all the commentary and history on tunnels in society over the generations...and it's really a stunning and creepy picture of that tunnel...when you think of how many students have crossed through there over the years...it's a strangely eerie and peaceful feeling. There is definitely uncertainty...with all the individuals that have come here to embark on their future...tunnels represent a crossing of sorts, and we hope that what is on the other side is brighter and more promising. Great!
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