Footwork, Havana, Cuba, 2012 by Phil Douglis

Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Eighty-two: A city portrait -- impressions of Havana, Cuba. > Footwork, Havana, Cuba, 2012

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08-MAY-2012

Footwork, Havana, Cuba, 2012

The boxer in the previous image moves into the ring for a footwork drill with another fighter. In this image, we can come to understand the well-worn nature of the gym itself and the surrounding neighborhood. The colors express the flavor of Cuba. The buildings in the background have not been painted in many years, are in a condition very common to Havana.

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Phil Douglis		06-Jul-2012 04:23
Thanks, Armin, for noting the tension in this image. They are not acting here, either. They are simply trying to master all important footwork.

arminb		26-Jun-2012 18:06
I really enjoy the moment - no engangement of the two "actors", yet, the tension between them is still there - great contrast!

Phil Douglis		12-Jun-2012 23:16
Thanks so much for your wonderful comment, Kal. It is always a treat when you respond to my photographs, because you find so much in them. You call attention to the duplication of the ring's corrugated canopy in the window reflection, which echoes the rhythms of the canopy and integrates the ring with its surrounding environment. As you note, they are not sparring here. Both of the fighters seem lost in their own imaginary worlds as they concentrate on coordinating their punches with their footwork. The larger meaning you see, regarding the struggle of life itself, is a fascinating observation. We often find metaphors for life in sporting events, because that is how most sports originated. I also liked the way you see this image as a metaphor for Cuba's own national identity, both now and in the future. Cuba's economy and political future are both in transition, and preparation, which is what this image is essentially all about, is essential to such a challenge.

Kal Khogali		12-Jun-2012 19:43
An image full of magical touches. Aside from the obvious primaries and the reflection of the ring in the windows, all of which add impact and continuity in the composition, I am struck by the fact that boxers often face each other in the ring. Here that does not happen and so the magic of the moment is the interpretation we can bring to that. Even sparring does not fit here, so we can only conclude that they are preparing...for a fight to come. The fight is both individual and collective...in other words...we are all in this together but also it is every man for himself. It's symbolism of Cuba's present and future do not escape me. It's great Phil. K

Phil Douglis		30-May-2012 18:02
That is a wonderful observation regarding the "make do" nature of Cuba itself, Celia. And yes, this picture does have a similar feeling to the image we were working together at Arcosanti last year.

Cecilia Lim		29-May-2012 21:11
Just lovely! You emphasize the energy and movement of the boxers by contrasting it with the symmetry of the building and ring around them. It is amusing to note that the second boxer on the right is only dressed in cut-off jeans without any protective footwear. It drives the notion that Cubans can always find a way to make do with what they have! (This in some way reminds me of the shoot we did in Arcosanti of the basketball player against a yellow backdrop too. That was a wonderful moment too!)

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