The Snake Pit roars back to life this weekend, but not with the blessings of lawmen & decent society at large. They can all go to hell, frankly. Because this is where we come from & who we really are. Let there be no mistaking that.
More notably, there was beautiful art to be made in those glorious times — and make them they did. Sometimes it was through towering beeramyds looming over the landscape … other times through getting maced in the eyeballs. Most often, however, the artistic side of the Snake Pit came shining through in stunning photography.
Below are six of the most technically sound & captivating images from that bygone era, each with a story to tell. Not stories of debauchery, really. But stories of art & elegance and wonderful composition. And also debauchery.
Only one of the following can be chosen to encapsulate the True Aura of the Snake Pit. May the critique begin. (Click on the thumbnails for full-sized images.)
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1. “ROLLING RAPTURE”
Take notice of the effective use of chiaroscuro by the photographer. The almost heavenly light emitting from the background onto our darker central figures seated at center evokes many thoughts. “Pure bliss” being one. “Boobs” and ”YAY!!” being the others.
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2. “SETTLING THE SCORE”
Wonderful composition here, with the tasteful framing provided by the iconic straightaway bleachers of IMS. Your eye is immediately drawn to the protagonist riding his friend like a bull & punching him in the back of the head. Masterful, really.
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3. “VOCATIONAL ADONIS”
Notice the exquisite use of light in this piece, and how the subtle tones capture the childlike joy & simple pleasures of running naked atop parked cars. Such is the power of effective lighting. And also mescaline.
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4. “AMBIENT PROLETARIAT”
This image evokes the Bamboccianti, the famous Flemish painters of the 17th century that often depicted peasant folks’ everyday life. This adds modernity in terms of transport, and of course the “Party Wagon” at far left. Ingeniously done, on many levels..
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5. “DADDY’S PASSED OUT IN A GULCH”
Capturing the protagonist from an upward angle truly drives home the neglect. Of course, the crudeness of content is what creates the visceral response from the viewer. The onlookers seated in the background seem to be encouraging our young principal — or at least not discouraging him — which only adds to our emotional attachment.
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6. “OH, COULD I BUT GIVE YOU COMFORT IN MY DEATH?”
Perfect example of utilizing the “rule of thirds” by creating balance throughout the the frame. Notice the parallel between the dullard’s lifeless right leg draping proportionally to the handle bars & front tire. Elegantly captured. The aluminum destruction that lay at our hero’s feet makes us ask difficult questions, both of the character and of ourselves.
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By Tom G., May 27, 2010 @ 10:04 am
Sniff, sniff… first a post on Jim Nabors and now this. You are really pulling at the heartstrings today Hobbson. Wherever did you find that picture of me holding up the “Show Us Your *%(&%” sign? Oh for the lost days of my youth, they can never be recaptured. And neither could Daddy.
By Larry Phelps, May 27, 2010 @ 10:15 am
I vote #2. Oh, it’s glorious. And I’m pretty sure “the bull” is now Secretary of Labor.
By BP, May 27, 2010 @ 10:52 am
Ah, the “Party Wagon.” I’ve heard countless stories from my father of seeing said wagon and a line a males outside, waiting their turn to “party.”
By Oilpressure, May 27, 2010 @ 10:56 am
Which masterpiece to choose? Quite the dilemma. You’re certainly bringing out your A-game , Roy.
Bravo, young man! Bravo!
By Jason McVeigh, May 27, 2010 @ 11:31 am
Now THIS is art. I’m so tired of all these fancy art types trying to pass off dead cows and unmade beds as works of art. These pictures are what art is all about. They’re like staring at the sun, they burn your retinas yet warm your soul. I gotta vote for number 2 cos just one look and you can practicaly smell the beer, sweat and urine. Nice!
By Hamilton Fish, May 27, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
The question #6 makes me ask myself is “why was I so insistent that shop class was a ‘gamechanger’ for me?”
By AZZO45, May 27, 2010 @ 12:43 pm
Come on… art should be UN-CENSORED!!!
An old friend shared a nice Snake Pit story with me… His niece was hangin’ w/ friends at IMS back in the day when they decided listening to cat calls & signs shown in #5 would get them free alcohol! They were attractive young ladies & for this story we will make them 18. They followed the signs’ requests & received their booze.
My friend recognized his sweet lil niece & snapped several pictures (strictly for archival purposes). Lets just say the niece was very UNCOMFORTABLE when family gathered for Thanksgiving dinner several months later. While everyone else had a small place card with their name on the table… she had her uncle’s favorite Snake Pit image to mark her plate !!!
By Jim, May 27, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
MOM?!?!?!?!?!
By cappy, May 27, 2010 @ 5:50 pm
#5 looks like a Norman Rockwell painting. Well…assuming Rockwell was crazed with malaria and maybe a sexual deviant.
By bickeldad, May 27, 2010 @ 6:25 pm
Why is Rod Stewart beating Bette Midler in that second picture?
By BC, May 28, 2010 @ 12:10 am
Dear Jim,
I think you win this round.
By inrehab, May 30, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
I have scars from nine years in the snake
By Chris, May 31, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
>sigh< at least we still have the Coke Lot.
By chuck, June 2, 2010 @ 10:55 pm
ahh the 70′s the best races I don’t remember and still finding mud in places I did’nt know I had