When It Reigns I’m Poor. © Copyright 2021 G Dan Mitchell – all rights reserved.
Graffiti covered, weathered door and brick walls, Manhattan.
These are, or so it seems, the words of “Mario” according to the inscription on this urban doorway. I’m always intrigued by the odd bits of street wisdom found among the less sophisticated graffiti and simple visual vandalism found in places like this. These texts often have an ironic, streetwise quality, but also reflect a simple view of the world, where the words are perhaps taken to be more profound than they actually are. That being said, I kind of like this one.
While those who read my posts know that I just returned from a visit to pandemic-plagued Manhattan, this photograph comes from an earlier visit a few years ago. Back then it was easier to simply head out and walk wherever I felt like going, as we did on this day. Now you can go out on the street — and it is perhaps safer than going indoors — but you are likely wearing a mask and avoiding other people.
Update June 21, 2022: The actual “Mario” contacted me, and you can read what he wrote in the comments below on this page.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.
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Thanks, Mario, for filling in the details and making the connection. If I remember correctly, I found and photographed this instance of the words on the Lower East Side of Manhattan on an early morning photography walk heading north from the tip of the island. (You might have figured out the “early morning” part from the quality of the light.) Although the copyright on the photograph is 2021, reflecting when this version was created, I made the photograph several years earlier. It was an extremely cold morning, and the streets were fairly quiet. The location is somewhere south of the Brooklyn Bridge, and likely east of Wall Street, and within a few blocks of the East River. It isn’t exactly one of the high class areas of NYC! :-)
hello friend. great pic and post. I truly appreciate it. I just wanted to clarify that these are indeed my words and my art. I’d appreciate a credit if possible. my Instagram handle is @mariorhymeorange
Interesting. Most of this sort of material I see remains permanently anonymous, so it is unusual to hear from a person who claims it as theirs. I took a look at your Instagram page and it looks like this phrase is kind of your thing?
Dan
thanx dan. I appreciate your prompt response. definitely. I began writing this in Oakland, California circa 2007. it’s a play on words and an ode to my mother. I truly appreciate your insight, compliment, writing, and photograph. I often search to see where my words have landed and who has captured it. I was excited to discover your work and I just wanted to say hi and put an artist to the anonymity. keep capturing. seems you’re bay area kinfolk yourself. much love and respect.