Luke's post - Images of American West

This photograph taken by Ansel Adams is of a cactus out in the west. The cactus is often seen as symbolic of the great American West and the desolate plains that dominate the land. The camera angle is no mistake here, Ansel wants the viewers to see the dark, grey clouds that swell overhead and he wants the viewers to grasp how thick and bold the cactus is. For all these things represent what the American west is; Wild and strong, dark and ultimately a mystery. The cactus may even represent a metaphorical/literal thorn in America’s quest to strive and expand to its fullest potential.