[Tom Stanworth]

I am happy to comment on both the artistic merit and monetary value:

Zero
Zero

As for the rope representing the confusing complexities of life etc etc. Did we all not deal with more subtle and profound concepts as a 12 year old at school? Why does infusing a simple, unremarkable (staged) photograph with such 'Peter and Jane' philosophy make it worth $1m? Good luck to the photographer and I wish him well in his ascent to artistic megastardom. I would however be rather miffed if my local major gallery spent its cash on this tripe.

I can imagine that learned art buyers would really need to consult the buying guide when dealing with such images to make sure they really teased out the full depth to be had here.....[..so Bob...the rope his personal 'life monster' and if he ties it up right he takes control of everything?.....oh, no, I geddit: The rope is his lifeline and by untagling it he could fall and hurt himself, but he can't help himself?]