Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Shrouded Heights - Boston's Financial District

The hidden tops of Boston’s Financial District skyscrapers can be seen as a metaphor for the elusive nature of wealth and power. Just like how the fog partially conceals the towers, the financial industry can often be opaque and difficult to understand. The towers represent the visible symbol of the wealth and influence concentrated in the hands of a select few. They also are the physical manifestation of the financial industry’s influence over the urban landscape. Here, the fog obscures the true extent of that power and influence. The presence of fog also indicates a deeper significance. It reminds us that, no matter how high we build, there are still elements beyond our control that obscure our views and limit our perspectives. In this way, the fog serves as a reminder of the fragility of power structures, and the ways in which they can be disrupted by external forces.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Copyright: © Mayar Ariss