In Mexico clowns are both unnoticed and everywhere.

                                     

In Mexico clowns are both unnoticed and everywhere. Various types of clowns can still be found all over Mexico, from the elegant carablancas (“white faces”) with elaborate sequined costumes; to the Great Depression-inspired trampas, or vagabundos. wearing tattered rags and frowns. There are also the payasos callejeros — the street clowns. The callejeros wear homespun costumes and mime and dance at busy traffic lights or tell jokes on crowded buses. Many paint black teardrops on their faces to represent their marginalized existence. They perform for adult audiences, indulging in bawdy humor and bad language. For some, being a street clown is a passion. For others, it’s a result of poverty, unemployment and desperation. In recent years, Mexico’s street clowns have begun to organize, holding workshops, contests and conventions throughout the country. About 200 clowns — in costume and full makeup — make an annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe to thank the Virgin for her help and protection throughout the year.

In Mexico, popular arts are held in high regard, and even middle-class Mexicans tend to tolerate (and often appreciate) this subculture of humble street clowns. Even those who view it more as a hustle than an art at least see it as an honest and creative hustle — after all, a clown has to eat. As the callejero slogan goes: Venga a ver lo que hace el hambre. (“Come see what hunger makes.”) But for some, the callejeros are urban heroes and cultural warriors. They perceive the street clowns as artistic revolutionaries who bring heart and sweat and spirit to every performance, who fight daily for sustenance and the space to express their art.

The process employed in the computer darkroom does not involve heavy plates, long exposure times, nor toxic chemicals. However, as with the early pioneers, the final image is a function of light, tone and composition. Relieved of the dangers associated with the original process, we can only hope to some day master a technique that "mirrors the truth". At Time Less Image we continue to seek exquisite beauty in our images, exploring all techniques, old and new.

website: www.time-less-image.com

web blog: http://time-less-image.typepad.com/comics_legends_and_lore/

web store: http://stores.ebay.com/Time-Less-Image/Home-Page.html

Blogs are ranked in various ways, and one of the more significant ones (besides linking or subscribing) happens via Technorati. In brief, Technorati tracks millions of blogs and lets users search them, tag them, and rank them. If you own a blog, or if you read them, I recommend signing up with Technorati (it's free and takes a couple minutes). And if you enjoy this blog, I encourage you, please, to "favorite" it.