We All Walk

From the streets of San Francisco to New York and many miles in between, Monty Tran captures beautiful moments of diversity and harmony with his book, We All Walk. We All Walk combines subjects seamlessly into one long fabulous stroll across this country and world. Tran’s superb technique mixed with a careful eye creates a series adept in design and poignant in intention.
Tran’s composition is exquisite. His ability to utilize the landscapes surrounding his subjects creates a complete scene every time, each print balanced and unique. Whether complementing, revealing or expounding upon the people walking, Tran’s landscapes are well chosen stages fitting effortlessly with each corresponding subject. Moreover, the choice of subjects reflects Tran’s vision for this series’ message. The picaresque We All Walk is a delightful romp of human subtlety and study. His choice and representation of scenic and human subjects is only upstaged by his use of shadow. Each shaded section contours the movement perfectly, driving and enriching scenes, playing with the light in each shot. All of these elements combine to manifest an insightful and enjoyable showing, strong in its overall cohesion.
This cohesiveness serves also as a reflection of Tran’s artistic statement of unity. “My intention… was to get the most diverse range of places and people… The big picture with the series is regardless of what walk of life we come from, we all walk,” Tran explains highlighting the wonderful simplicity of the series. By displaying unity through our rare form of erect, bipedal motion, we are reminded of our inherent congruency with one another and the importance of this unity. Through walking we are not only connected to one another, but we are also connected with the rest of the animal kingdom, which lacks automotive locomotion. This connection is of equal importance because it reminds us of the natural world in which the steel and concrete world we built exists. The ecological interpretation of Tran’s work is certainly one of which he is in favor, feeling that walking to destinations, instead of relying on motorized transport, is in the best interest of the planet. As an environmental exposition, We All Walk is powerful in its clarity and focus.
Monty Tran’s photographic talent is abundant and this latest offering is both well crafted and interesting. We All Walk tells the story of us all, everyday, everywhere, all at once together in our footprints.