I’ve Got Swag And It’s Coming Out My Orifices…

Swag Barf

We’ve already established that sometimes architecture is a mindfuck; full of small details and tiny decorative flourishes straight from the uncanny valley of WTF. This little oddity is from the Don Lee Building at 1000 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. Built in 1919 as a Cadillac showroom, this neoclassical building contains all manner of fanciful human and humanoid figures. The above image, a repeating element on the entryway columns, combines two common decorative flourishes: a cherub/putto with a swag/festoon/garland. But why is the garland coming from it’s mouth? Continue reading

An Exercise In Claustrophobia – Elim Street

FUN WITH ANGLES!

Don't blink, you might miss it.

A block long and less than seven feet wide, Elim Street is more akin to an apartment lightwell than a proper, navigable right of way. Narrow, deep, and short; it’s trajectory is amenable to sharp language. To adjectives and metaphors about blades and the cutting motions thereof – slicing, cutting, carving, penetrating, piercing. This language can be liberally applied to Elim’s smell as well. Perpetually dark, windless, and damp; the smell condenses and drips from the nose. Yes, it’s that moist. Yes, it’s that strong. Yes, I was lying on the ground to take some of these shots. Yes, I contemplated burning my wardrobe afterwards. I only wish I was exaggerating.

Pee Water

Sky reflected in rain, urine, and what looks like either rust or blood.

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