NOON AT THE MARKET

In my home city of Zagreb, every day at noon, a cannon sounds from the old town tower. It marks the passage of time and alerts the citizens to the fact that it is now officially lunch time - time for a break, a walk and midday meal followed by a nap. Though it sounds off at noon each day, it tales everyone a good two hours to finally pause. The pigeons oblige by rising in large swirling clouds in the main square and markets until they sett;e again for their own afternoon rest.

At the market it signifies the near end of the day's commerce and the time when the latecomers will enjoy the fruits of their tardiness - slightly wilted but steeply discounted strawberries, lettuce, cheese and eggs.

The moment immediately following the big boom hangs suspended for what seems like a long time, enveloping the bustling downtown in a silence pregnant with the possibility - of an afternoon triste, a chance meeting with an old friend, an hour of solitude, a new green skirt, a pause in one's mind stream...

The original pastel has been sold but the image is available in open edition prints.