Portrait of older man wearing Nike shirt in Mysore | Wall Art
Man Resting in Mysore Market – Black and White Wall Art
This black and white photograph captures a man resting at what seems to be a market in Mysore, India. He sits casually with one arm draped over the edge of a low concrete wall, wearing a worn-out Nike shirt, a stark contrast between global branding and local life. His relaxed posture and small smile suggest a man at peace with his surroundings, comfortable in his skin. Despite the wear and tear visible on his body, he exudes a calm resilience that only comes with age and a life of hard work.
The background offers a subtle nod to the market scene, with baskets of goods barely visible behind him. It adds a layer of context without overwhelming the frame, leaving the focus squarely on the man himself. I shot this in black and white to highlight the textures—the roughness of the wall, the creases in his shirt, and the lines on his skin. Stripped of color, the photograph becomes more about the story in those details.
Mysore, a city rich in culture and history, is known for its bustling markets. It’s places like these that you find moments like these—quiet, personal glimpses into everyday life. This man may have been taking a break from work, or perhaps he was simply enjoying the rhythm of the day, watching the world go by. There’s an authenticity to his presence that feels timeless.
Personal note: What struck me the most when capturing this image was his relaxed demeanor. Despite the surrounding hustle of the market, he seemed content, like he was exactly where he wanted to be. It’s these small, quiet moments that remind me why I love photographing daily life—there’s so much beauty in simplicity.
© Dan Kosmayer, 2010
