Monday, January 4, 2010

The Cross Roads of Pigalle

Pigalle is the guilt ridden playground of Paris. Along Boulevard de Clichy, it seems that it is all about sex and exhibitions or to put it simply, sensual pleasure without the real sensuality. The candy carnal knowledge seems to grow in economic downtimes. It just goes in cycles of seeing the same things over and over again...except there is even less mystery, less mystique, and it becomes more about the money.
Pigalle is the cross road of excess and falls under the shadow of the Catholic church. This strange guilt factor that casts this huge shadow over Clichy. Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre attracts a daily pilgrimage of tourists and merchants alike. People don't come for a religious experience, but for the mere sake of seeing the complete landscape of the city (perhaps that is a religious experience).
When you think about the emotions people tie to a flag, a picture of a loved one, or the symbols of what people associate with love and passion...is it really necessary to beat our beings about with all of the nonsense of guilt and control? Just a few random questions along the journey...but I believe those are questions we all should ask ourselves.
Can liberty exist if you deny yourself the ability to feel free? From the cross-roads of Pigalle in the 18 eme...with love.

2 comments:

Mandy said...

Your photos are stunning! I especially like the first and the last ones. In fact, that last one is possibly the best photo I've seen of Paris - it makes me want to visit there now!!

Marilyn said...

Thank you Emm...