the images in this essay were taken over a six month period in 2003, starting with protest marches held in january and february. other images were taken in march during a direct action on the day after war in iraq was announced; yet others at bechtel headquarters in june during a direct action against that company's role in the reconstruction of post-war iraq.
the bay area is known for its diversity and tolerance. that extended to the peace protests. so somehow middle aged, middle class berkeley-ites still seeking peace and social justice could walk in the same march with young black clad, backpacked anarchists looking to f**k some s**t up. that also meant very unique forms of protest. spontaneous drum circles. mobile techno raves. protest yoga. bizzare, funny, original costumes and street theater. and everywhere cameras; everyone recording everyone else.
the protests pointedly illustrated to me how out of step this area is with the rest of america. but then san francisco is at the edge of the continent. people here seem to react to that, shunning the comfort of the center, and relishing the tension that comes from being at the fringe of ideas, culture, life. that is what i hoped to document in this essay.
technical
note:
all photos taken in 35mm with a nikon n90s using iso 400 black &
white film stock (ilford and kodak).