Sydney April 2013 (2 images)
In a way the above photo reminds me of the closing scenes from The Planet of the Apes (1968). In the year 3978, astronaut Taylor has escaped the apes, and on horseback catches sight of something on the beach. Overcome with grief he falls from his horse and collapses on the ground, screaming to the sky. The camera pans out to show the remnants of the Statue of Liberty. He understands now that he has been on Earth the whole time, and the orangutan Dr Zaius was right. Humanity did destroy itself and apes became the dominant species. His final words…
“Maniacs!! You finally blew it all up!!!” Taylor screams in despair. “God damn you all to hell!”
I wonder what his reaction would have been if he’d seen this Rubik’s Cube instead. A scream of terror maybe. 🙂
Sydney March 2014
For decades a concrete block, a cover for a storm water drain has been in place on the beach. Sometime in the middle of the night in December 2008 two artists and a third “police look out” transformed the concrete block into this giant Rubik’s Cube. And it has remained ever since. In fact, this second photo shows that someone is actually maintaining it, repainting the chipped areas. I thought it was actually a piece of commissioned art for the beach. Then I read about it and my perspective changed. I went back and had a look. The top is a giant vent covered by a grate.
Both photos were taken in autumn, almost a year apart. It looks like nature with help from the local council has been building up the sand line. Note how the storm drain looks almost completely covered by sand in the second photo.
Etcetera Etcetera Etcetera 
The first image is really playing with my mind as far as scale and perspective are concerned (not having seen it in person) – the cube and the stairs almost look like miniatures matted into the seascape – of course the sky is playing a large part in the drama of the shot. Very good capture of this – one of your best.
Thank you very much. For perspective, the “cube” is approximately 5 feet high. The first one was taken with a 28mm prime lens.
By the way, the first one was taken on the same day as this one which I did in monochrome: angry sea
Which I liked as well.
It looks like an unsolved challenge.
And forever to be unsolved. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend.
That’s why life is interesting:) Have a great weekend too!
Thank you. 🙂
Fascinating!
Thank you.
Now who is going to solve the puzzle? 🙂
LOL! 🙂 Have a great weekend ahead.
When you look at the second photo you think how could they just plop a giant cover for a storm water drain in the middle of the beach, but when you go back to the first photo…then it begins to sink in. What a great way to disguise a stone ogre. It does look prettier and cleaner in the second photo. I would have loved to be in the beach in the second year…thanks for sharing the lovely photos!
Thank you. It wasn’t until I was looking at the second photo closely that I realised there had been a shift in the sand height. It didn’t even notice it whilst I was there.
Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
You do capture the most interesting things and scenes. Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you. Have a great weekend too! 🙂
It changed my perspective of this giant Rubik’s Cube. Love the beach behind the cube 🙂
Both shots taken in autumn, but it was a much warmer day in the second one. Hence the different atmosphere of the shots. There were quite a few swimmers that day.
This is one time that vandals have actually made an improvement.
Very true. Thanks very much.
Gol-LY, LD … This is amazing stuff. I’ve never heard of this before; and you’d think someone would’ve picked it up (so to speak) as an item of real interest … you know, those little bits stuffed into the news as a filler …
Amazing perspective, and something to completely fool the eye.
The way the beach has filled is almost weird … I mean, those steps are GONE. How come our beach is filling up? – I thought beaches emptied out … :-\
On occasions, I have seen bulldozers on this beach and others, redistributing the sand, perhaps even adding sand. I guess there’s an active policy of maintaining the beach against erosion.
Oh! In a way, I’m relieved to hear it, LD. I simply couldn’t work out such transformation …
And I imagine they may be right.I understand local councils have occasionally been known to be …
The Rubik’s Cube is kinda cool looking and an interesting way to cover a vent. As for the scream of terror, it could be worse – an effigy of Justin Bieber, for example.
Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !!!!! 🙂
I think Charlton Heston would have cried, “I can’t solve this stupid puzzle! Where’s a geeky 12 year old monkey when you need one!” At least that’s how I would have written the end. Or maybe the hand of the Statue of Liberty holding the giant Rubik’s Cube…. ok…I’m done now. Nice images. 🙂
LOL, Or maybe a half torn page from the Rubik’s cube solutions book buried in the sand next too it. 🙂
Thank you kindly.
I was picturing the beach without it, and I liked it better ;), but I appreciate the effort of maintaining it.
Of course, and I’m surprised it was built right into the middle of the beach in the first place, but they built it a long time ago they probably didn’t worry took much about these things. But it’s definitely an improvement on a grey concrete shaft.
Definitely creative 😀 It took me decades ago when I first tried to get it right 😀
1 week after I bought a Rubik’s cube, I bought the “How to solve it” book. 🙂
😀 Nice!!!
🙂
You’re right. But some days ago there was another blog, I thought at this. Here we are.
http://sonofsharecroppers.wordpress.com/2014/01/31/im-just-lying-here-chillin-thinkin-bout-old-times/
🙂
I see where you’re leading. Thanks.
Kind of amazing the difference in the amount of sand between the two photos. I prefer the lighting in the first shot.
I didn’t notice the change in the amount of sand whilstI was there at the time. Yes, the late light on a cloudy day can be quite appealing.
both interesting, but the first one fooled me…well I never tried to figure out that cube anyway…
I remember seeing videos of people who could solve these things in a few seconds. First reaction – amazement. Second reaction – why? 🙂
Love how people’s creativity can turn the everyday into something special. 🙂
It certainly brighten’s up an otherwise potential eyesore.
If only there were more act’s of art like this – transforming objects into new works that bring a bit of wonder into our day!
It kind of divides the beach in half; swimmers one side, surfers the other. It would be an eyesore without this artwork.
wow, I really held my breath over the apocalyptic intro…:) this cube is so surreal on that beach,…love the first one very much, the stairs are such a wonderful detail… lovely color shots 🙂
A bit too dramatic? 🙂
Thank you. As promised, this one’s for you.
thank you 🙂 🙂 if you could see my happy smile now 🙂
btw, it just struck me, we have both published posts with squared shapes at the same time… it’s funny 🙂 like nice strange funny 🙂 have a great weekend, Draco!
An interesting coincidence, or is it???
Have great weekend too Ignis. 🙂
I’d like to think it’s not a coincidence… 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂
Beautiful light and processing! Well done!
Thank you very much. 🙂
That’s a strange way to cover up a storm pipe. Guess at least no one will be stealing it quickly.
Given that it’s near the tidal line, I guess it’s built like that to avoid flooding at high tide, or in the event of a king tide.
Very cool shot.
Thank you. 🙂
Wow!
These are just fantastic, especially the first one.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you Lisa. Have a wonderful weekend too.
Bravo. The cube reminds me of the obelisk from 2001 A Space Odyssey. The options available with the Rubiks cube are a lot more promising than the one hinted at by the one in Kubrick’s movie. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. Promising, but potentially frustrating.
Beautiful shots! The first one is dramatic with all the clouds and wave action – I can’t stop looking at it. Not to mention, I’ve always loved the Rubik’s Cube.
Thank you. It was a cold day in that first one, with strong winds, which made the beach deserted. Perfect for me. 🙂
I love it, but then I can’t resist a pop of color 🙂
Thanks. I do indulge in a colour pop every now and then. 🙂
Planet of the Apes was a fascinating but very spooky movie. I must have been too young to watch it. 🙂 That Rubik’s Cube idea for the concrete block is fantastic, such a smart and creative solution. Lovely photos, and quite different because of different weather. It’s interesting how in the second photo the sand level is much higher.
I made the mistake of watching Hitchcock’s The Birds – that’s affected me for life. 🙂
Yes, a very creative idea, and I’m glad the local government didn’t wash it off.
Thank you.
I can imagine The Birds is definitely not for me. 🙂
🙂
I love the idea about the transformationn of the concrete block into a Rubik’s Cube. The game about the spatial thinking, to learn yourself to see things from a different angel. First shot has captured me. Great colors and position of the camera. And… probably a creature will look for the answer of the cube – in 3978. Message from gods, colors, 42 – who knows, but at least will make them think, apes or humans eh… unusually 🙂
Maybe I should go late at night and scratch in “Draco was here”. That’ll really make them puzzled. 🙂
In 3978 will they think we were gods, or morons? I’m left to wonder. 🙂
:)) That will definitely make them puzzeld! They will make a committee meeting, then second and so on to the institute after thousands of years. Your inscription could be the grain of a cultural revolution 🙂
or..
there’s no place to wonder – they will definitely think we were nothing else but morons..
🙂
I love Hitchcock and watch them (b&w tv) when young – The Frozen Death!
Rubik’s Cube is paper weight for me.
At first, I had the silly thought that you planted the cube in the photos, they do look out of place at such humongous size not to mention on a beach, lol…
But the level of sand in the second photo is astonishing! Does the sand level change like tide? Amazing photos and new knowledge for me – storm drain.
I like both photos as they have unique feel each but the Rubik’s Cube fits right at home in the second photo 😀
So you’re an expert in the horror genre. 🙂
The block is about 5 feet high.
The local government is actively maintaining the beach. A couple of times I’ve seen bulldozers moving the sand around, maybe even adding it to some areas.
Thank you. 🙂
Very creative. The Rubik’s Cube really struck me!
Thanks. It does add interest to an otherwise silly concrete block in the beach line.
What a surprise these photos are! At first, I thought it was two different Rubik’s Cubes. That shoreline has definitely been built up, hasn’t it?
I’ve seen bulldozers on the beaches moving sand around, so I guess it’s an active fight against nature and erosion. They do say the sea level is rising.
This is fun – what a clever idea! 😀 And I can see what you mean about comparing it to The Planet of the Apes, it is a bit like that! Makes a very striking picture! 🙂
Thanks Suzy. It’s a nice burst of colour on the beach.
In years to come, when it is excavated marveled at and become a place of holy pilgrimage. . . . Stunning shots Lignum!
Those poor fools! At least we’ll know the truth that it is an instrument of frustration.
Thanks Patti.
Maroubra breeze. Yes “je me souviens”… From one Dragon to another. Beautiful pictures and so much to feel. Thank you.
Merci beaucoup. I hope they are pleasant memories.
Surreal! I like the stories that you tell, always interesting.
Thank you. I think it really adds to the beachscape.
how cool is that cube 😀
Glad you like it. Thanks.
Astronaut Taylor finding a Rubik’s Cube instead? Hahahah what an idea! That image made me laugh, so thanks for the fun. Have a great week!
Marianne
Thank you very much. Nothing like a Rubik’s Cube to cause a mental breakdown. I had to buy the “solutions” book to help me out. 🙂
I had one in my childhood, but I never completed the task. Althoug it was entretained.
🙂