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January 14, 2014

As granny often said, "People in the desert want ice water."

aa_tadaocern-comfort-zone-2.jpg
Relax, it's a beach in the Balkans.

Comfort Zone by Tadao Cern:"During our everyday life we attempt to hide our deficiencies, both physical and psychological. But once we find ourselves on a beach, we forget about everything and start acting in an absolutely different manner. Is that because everyone else around is doing the same? If yes, I would love for the same rules to apply beyond the borders of the beach."

Posted by gerardvanderleun at January 14, 2014 12:03 PM. This is an entry on the sideblog of American Digest: Check it out.

Your Say

And I will tell that guy to kindly get bent. I grew up near the beach, spent many an after school and weekend at the beach, and skipped classes in college for a good swell on more occasions than I will ever admit to my parents. And i don't want any more beach attitude than we already have in this culture.

The last thing I want in the rest of my life is a let it all hang out scene where the locals are tribal, the tourists are self righteous, and the battle to see who can show the least amount of self restraint in both clothing and action rages on.

The beach is the perfect place to leave that scene - it's out of the way, on the edge by definition, and both easily found and avoided depending on your flavor - and any effort to take away the shame and self consciousness that makes people cover their unsightly bulges, wash the grime out of their hair, and consider for at least a glancing moment how they appear - in both manner and exposure - to the cohabitants of this rock in daily life is one that I will fight with harsh looks, mocking tones, and whatever sized cloth is necessary to cover the offending sights.

Posted by: dan at January 14, 2014 2:56 PM

Well said. Well and truly said.

Posted by: vanderleun at January 14, 2014 4:10 PM

While I agree with Dan in general, in beach life here in the US, I disagree about the visceral reaction to these photos. The people in the photos look to be the usual folks; a neighbor, an aunt, or the corner gas station guy. I laughed hysterically at the woman with her man.... he in swim trunks but she in her underwear. It is simply a different thing, now isn't it ? Yes. And I don't like it either... to stare me in the face at the beach. HOWEVER I loved these. And the interview. Seeing people sleeping (real ones) is refreshing. This photographer's ART in the photos is what sets him apart. It's not just mostly unclothed people. It's INTERESTING mostly unclothed people who are surrounded by small details of their personalities; scarves, purses and hats... the choice of towel or blanket. I love this artist. I'm fairly tired of the naked gorgeous babe motif that seems to be all we look at most of the time in beach photography. This was better, though I doubt the majority will agree.. Signed, previously bikini clad beach babe of Olympia.... (yeah it was rarely warm enough to hang out at the bay side !) Thank you for the intro to the Photographer. May we all thoughtfully and rarely visit a beach.

Posted by: CAW at January 15, 2014 9:04 AM

"Bulges at the Beach" don't especially bother me. After all, I'm not the lean, mean fighting machine I once was (or at least imagined myself to be). But a bit of common sense regarding one's own appearance might be in order. Like the really hairy guy my age with the large hang-belly obscuring the tiny Speedo. Really? Dude, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Or the older woman kitted out in a skimpy two-piece like her daughter (or granddaughter). Honey, some things are best left unseen by folks other than your husband or physician. Just a bit of dignity is all I ask. I promise I'll do my part as well. Board shorts and loose t-shirts cover a multitude of sins.

Posted by: waltj at January 15, 2014 7:53 PM

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