A Mannequin Party

Keep Portland weird, so states the ubiquitous bumper stickers here in my town.

Portland is well known for its artist population, almost to a fault, as the sheer volume of creators and makers drives down the value of art to bargain basement levels.

Nonetheless, if one keeps a keen eye out, you can see all kinds of peculiarities, miniature toy horses tied onto old horse rings attached to local sidewalks. Skirts on men, a cornucopia of neon hair, and a welcoming alternative lifestyle, all contribute to an interesting and engaging place to live.

This photograph speaks to that liberal lifestyle and the quirky nature of Portland and its residents. Captured off a busy street where there was ample spectator potential, somebody took it upon themselves to assemble this mannequin party. The image has more value to me as a documentary image than any real artistic contribution by the photographer. I was merely a witness to someone else’s whimsy and that seem to be enough for me to make this capture.