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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Gallery Twenty Eight: Using symbols and metaphors to express meaning > Crucifix, Cuenca, Ecuador, 2011
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Crucifix, Cuenca, Ecuador, 2011
31-AUG-2011

Crucifix, Cuenca, Ecuador, 2011

Religious symbols are regularly sold at the doors of Cuenca’s main cathedral. I noticed a crucifix, packaged in protective plastic, resting on the sidewalk, and photographed it from a low angle. When we see it from this vantage point, separated from all of the other crucifixes for sale, the plastic wrapping becomes less of a package and more of a shroud, a symbol full of religious implications.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
1/160s f/5.6 at 200.0mm iso400 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time31-Aug-2011 06:27:11
MakePanasonic
ModelDMC-GH2
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length200 mm
Exposure Time1/160 sec
Aperturef/5.6
ISO Equivalent400
Exposure Bias-1/3
White Balance
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

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Phil Douglis PM reply 10-Dec-2011 00:06
An eloquent commentary, Iris -- even if we stretch a definition a bit to fit the content here. Religion here in Cuenca provides a common ground for most who live here. The religion was brought to Ecuador by Spain, at the point of a sword. It is has become pervasive. It is hard to see where the church ends and the state begins. They are often one and the same.
Iris Maybloom (irislm) PM reply 08-Dec-2011 22:20
The word plastic comes from the Greek "plastos" meaning to form or to mold. To me, this image portrays the plastic force of religion, having the power to form, mold, shape and influence our thinking.
Phil Douglis PM reply 15-Oct-2011 18:45
Both images show plastic wrapping used. But in this case, it is used to prevent damage. I think the banana wrapping is to control temperature.
sunlightpix PM reply 15-Oct-2011 16:35
I'm seeing a similarity between the plastic coated crucifix and the bananas.
Phil Douglis PM reply 14-Oct-2011 23:12
I like your interpretation of my shot, Carol. I saw the linkage of the plastic to a burial shroud, while you see it as protecting a symbol of a religious faith from a profane world.
Carol E Sandgren PM reply 12-Oct-2011 21:57
I see this as more of a saving the saviour. The crucifix sculpture is protected by this clear plastic sheath from the dirt and awfulness of our society. Beautifully done, Phil!
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