ARTO 354 Assignment Uno

  While living in Spain I witnessed an almost cultish worship of the Virgin Maria. As Lady Gaga is to America, the Mother of God is a Spanish superstar. All types of “La Virgin” iconography are scattered about the city streets of Seville. This passion embodied by La Virgen spills over into the Spanish way of life. Whether in religious devotion, observing a bullfight, or partying until 6 in the morning, life is lived with intensity. Another dimension of the Virgin that I am interested in is the Latin American interpretation that blends indigenous beliefs with Catholicism. One example of this syncretism is the Virgin depicted as a mountain, representing the Incan Pacha Mama. Yet another aspect of this complex figure appears in medieval epithets and poems in which the virgin is portrayed as a superhero who protects and resolve conflict. In my own work, I wanted to photograph an image of the virgin that incorporated all these characteristics. Specifically, a figure that embodies feminine strength, holy devotion to nature and an all encompassing passion for life.

 

            I am very inspired by Henri Cartier Bresson ability to capture “l’instant decisif”. That is to say, the decisive moment in which there is a harmonious convergence varying elements. In each of his photos he creates an atmosphere of magical realism more surreal than in which we live. I admire his work because it demonstrates an acute, perceptive eye, a talent which is slowly disintegrating with the emerging ability to “Snap, snap, snap”, until a good image comes out. I imagine Cartier Bresson sitting on a stoop in paris, waiting patiently with his index finger poised on the shutter, until the exact moment occurs to create a dynamic photograph.  

I am also moved by Cartier Bressons ability to photograph people in foreign countries. Cartier Bresson overcomes the challenge of photographing strangers without being intrusive. In fact, his images are incredibly intimate. I aspire to create a connection with my subject that capture their essence.