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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Twelve: Using color to express ideas > Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malacca, Malaysia, 2007
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02-SEP-2007

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malacca, Malaysia, 2007

The oldest Chinese temple outside of China, Cheng Hoon Teng embraces three doctrines, Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian. I don’t read Chinese, so I don’t know what these words speak of here. Yet the colors of this image, offering words of burnished copper and glowing translucent green glass, speak of time, reverence, and wealth.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/80s f/3.6 at 34.7mm iso100 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time02-Sep-2007 13:04:06
MakeLeica
ModelV-LUX 1
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length34.7 mm
Exposure Time1/80 sec
Aperturef/3.6
ISO Equivalent100
Exposure Bias
White Balance
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

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Phil Douglis17-Oct-2007 18:55
I cherish the contrasts in how you and Patricia come to this image, Tim. For Patricia, the gilded letters emphasize the force of faith. For you, it is copper, not gold, and the burnishment is a residue of faith. I am delighted that my viewers can see this image in such contrasting ways, yet still see faith at the heart of the message.
Tim May17-Oct-2007 17:33
I see the burnishment on the copper as the remnants of the prayers and hopes of the countless people who have prayed here.
Phil Douglis15-Oct-2007 04:46
Gold is at the heart of Chinese culture. It is the color of power, beauty, elegance, and above all, wealth. So yes, this old temple reflects what its worshippers take pride in. It may well symbolize an offering to the Gods, as well.
Patricia Lay-Dorsey14-Oct-2007 04:42
Yes, time, reverence and wealth, but something more. I see an almost garish display of what they profess to believe, as if it must be emblazoned in gold or the message will not be respected. There is nothing subtle about this facade; it is almost "in your face."
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