ruthegoldstein Annotations

What does the image convey about “toxic subjects” (their character, dynamics, etc.)? (How) Does this image open up the concept of “toxicity”?

Wednesday, December 5, 2018 - 3:53pm

This contiguous Brunswig building image fascinating for the commentary on the passage of time, how the building still stands. I appreciate the care in juxtaposing these images so that the building maintains its shape across the border of the separate photographs. What is not yet clear to me - yet - in this wonderful photo essay, is just what the figure of toxicity is, or, what the figures of toxicity are. In considering that the focus of the project is to think through toxicity as an “extremely harsh or harmful quality,” I would be curious to have the accompanying text examine just what or who is toxic throughout all of these images. In the previous image commentary, I mentioned the "toxic assets" of the economic investments in gentrification or "urban renewal" projects. What are the environmental risks associated with renovation and renewal in the context of urban expansion? How do those living in homeless encampments becoming multiple vulnerbale to toxicity? From breathing the fumes of passing cars, not-so-sanitary sleeping and eating conditions, to further social exclusion, this image can open up multiple ways to consider toxicity in its economic, ecological, and socio-political aspects. 

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