Who knew a photo of Mumbai’s crowded train stations could look this gorgeous? This is the kitchen of actress Ellen Pompeo and her husband, Chris Ivery – the home was featured in the May 2010 issue of Elle Decor.
This photo reminds me that what is ordinary to some of us can be exotic, even beautiful to others. This photograph is beautiful, perhaps because of the setting it is in. It is a lovely photograph in itself, but not one I would have in my home. Simply because, irrespective of its artistic merit, I don't want to be reminded of the daily grind I've left behind, or of the excrutiating journey on those trains to get to work and back. Millions make that journey every day, and in no shape or form is it pleasant or beautiful. For hundreds of people, those trains are death traps - people die trying to get in (so they won't be late for work or can be back home to cook dinner for the family), some are pushed - by what I call the 'doorway mafia' - people who block the doors to prevent more commuters from getting in. The ones left behind are sometimes dragged along with the train. Many women die this way.
Others throw themselves in the path of a hurtling train. There are over 10 suicides every day on the Mumbai network alone.
I don't want to be reminded of all that - even though none of it is going away. At least, I'm not one of those people in that photo (small consolation).
Having said all that, the photo works well in this house. Perhaps it is a reminder of the couple's travels to India and all the exotic things they saw, including the mad, mad trains of Mumbai. I? I'm off to frame a large, peaceful photograph of a Venetian gondola bobbing gently in the sunset. I'll take that mode of transport any day!
1 comment:
Just discovered your blog and really like it. Thanks for mentioning my blog:-) Do stay in touch..take care Anu
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