Hunter S. Thompson Diptych

This diptych was shot by journalist Hunter S. Thompson during his days hitchhiking across the west coast. He reached a total distance of 3,700 miles in three weeks, just at age 22. It is displayed in his book, titled GONZO, a collection of contact sheets, enlarged photos, and writings throughout his career. I chose this piece, although Untitled, because it summarizes his ideology of life. Thompson once wrote, "To wit: Full speed ahead and damn the cost; it will all come out in the wash." The above image shows a hitchhiker with an aluminum gas can full of clothes. Thompson knew that no one would pick up a stray hiker but definitely a man who ran out of gas. He chose to render two images vertically, with the lower one being cropped in half. This gives power to his angle which involved the open road, the American Dream, and freedom of the soul. The image of a train below only heightens the idea more. Railways include an immense amount of symbology. Today we have a global economy due to aircraft and ships, but the railroads created a national economy in the 1960's. It was considered gateway to the west. One mistake that I feel Thompson made was his decision to shoot this train from a west to east angle. Taking the shot from the other end would have created a solid piece. Also in the top image Thompson included a cutoff automobile and a shadow; most likely himself. This helps the viewer understand the story laid before them.