The Surprisingly Colorful Spaces Where the World’s Biggest Decisions Get Made (PHOTOS)
Photographer Luca Zanier looks at the view from where the decision-makers sit
- By T.A. Frail
- Smithsonian magazine, October 2012
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(Luca Zanier / Anzenberger )
In Luca Zanier's view, people of influence come and go, but places of power endure. And so the Zurich-based photographer has been taking pictures of those places, negotiating access to inner sanctums at such institutions as the French national labor union, the CGT (but failing so far at FIFA, the international governing body of soccer). “I try to put the camera in the seat of the most powerful person in the room,” Zanier says. “That way, when you’re looking at the photograph, you’re the boss.” At the United Nations in New York City, he put his camera behind the second rank of seats at the Security Council. The staff members who occupy them, he says, are the powers behind the delegates who sit at the table.
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Comments (4)
No sunlight, no windows, utterly devoid of life. Seems like an attempt to exclude the world without. Access to these homage of self-importance shrines is restricted to only those who profess to represent the peoples of the world. These are not "living, relevant" spaces. How about a constantly changing video display of the worlds people playing continuously along an entire wall? Or maybe just some windows if nothing else!
Posted by B. Stewart Constable on February 13,2013 | 01:31 PM
There are psychological implications and repercussions in regards to the color palettes used in all these places, and I have no doubt this is intentional. Primarily (pun intended), they are insular and isolating. Disneyland palettes for post-modernists. They separate those in positions of authority and power from those they supposedly represent. How things ought to be is that all such places (particularly the Pentagon and similar institutions)) should have muted colors, and the walls should be covered with photo montages of the various forms of life (plant and animal) on Earth. Given particular focus would be large photos of children of all ages... so that those in positions of power and authority would be faced with a constant reminder of who truly bears the consequences of their decisions.
Posted by John on September 30,2012 | 04:14 PM
Fascinating--what a wonderful and creative idea. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Janet Beckish on September 27,2012 | 10:52 AM
Interesting perspective. Two thumbs up.
Posted by Kathy on September 25,2012 | 03:47 PM