ArtPrize 2010 Entry - Chaos Theory Patrick J Garrett, ArtPrize Vote 34681 Reeds Lake Triathlon 2009 East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Digital Photograph, Silver Halide Print
On an early September morning, the sunrise sleeps in just a little bit longer.
This morning is different than yesterday’s; this morning brings a loud silence that cuts directly into the morning steam rising from the waters as the crisp air is now cooler than the water temperatures. Hundreds of bodies wait for their cue, standing at the edge, trying not to shiver too hard. As the official lets them go, several in the pack start to hop with impatience before they can reach the water. They want to break the silence.
Like an oil slick, the pack elongates and thins out; in the golden morning light the bodies form a single element. The oil slick looks to be boiling and is spreading through a major portion of the water surface.
Slowly, as the slick starts the approach back, the silence is replaced with soft grunts, gasps and splashing as the pack gets tired. Looking low over the water, the only visual interrupting the repetition of reaching arms, is an occasional head looking for direction – but all they immediately see is feet in front and shoulders to the side. They decide to just go.
This chaos is a beautifully orchestrated mess.
Pypeline.