Tear Gas

In the absence of human presence, tear gas photographs as a soft subject, suspended like a misplaced cloud over seemingly tranquil urban scenes. Captured moments before the burn, it could easily be mistaken for mist on a frosty morning. Yet those who have had their eyes, throats, and noses scorched by the gas perceive the menace of these clouds as they spread over the streets. The violence of the burning fog is almost — yet not quite — obscured by its gentle, hazy pretense.