Andreas Gursky is drawn to large man made structures, large gatherings of people and so on. I have never really been a huge fan of architectural photography in a traditional sense. I am not saying the technical mastery required to pull off good architectural work isn't admirable, or that the documentation of certain places/structures is not important. Gursky however really pushes beyond blandness and digs for the human aspect. His best work makes the thoughtful viewer wonder what must be going on in these places, as the occupants live their separate lives. Or in the case of the photo shown above the people are placed in a very sterile and industrial setting, the cold lifeless steel playing off the pink fleshy color of the suits in a wonderful way. Looking at this work has really given me a better appreciation of what can be done with imagery that many would find mundane.
Muhammed Muheisen is shooting in Israel and the occupied areas. Living in a war zone presents such a fantastic opportunity and this guy is certainly taking full advantage. I consider the danger he is in, but my perspective is that of an outsider. I am assuming Muhammed was born and raised here and is accustomed to the violence. What strikes me is the variety of imagery. He is familiar with the area and the people and captures practically every aspect of life there. I have always admired people who aren't afraid to do what it takes to get the shot, Charles Moore has always been a hero of mine. This guy is now on that list.
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