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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Two: Travel Incongruities > Mixed metaphors, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2007
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12-NOV-2007

Mixed metaphors, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2007

This "art" store targets those interested in theology, western kitsch, and nude Indian maidens. Apparently, this incongruously strange fusion of genres sells well in Santa Fe. The image speaks simultaneously faith and myth, of the Spanish and the Indian, and throws in an electric meter for good measure.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/500s f/5.6 at 11.7mm iso100 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time12-Nov-2007 15:41:22
MakeLeica
ModelV-LUX 1
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length11.7 mm
Exposure Time1/500 sec
Aperturef/5.6
ISO Equivalent100
Exposure Bias-0.33
White Balance
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

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Phil Douglis11-Dec-2007 19:51
You are right. We are often numb to the incongruities around us because we may be familiar with them. The camera, however, does not have a memory. It can be used to isolate incongruities such as these within its frame, creating an awareness of them that makes us see them as if for the first time.
Patricia Lay-Dorsey11-Dec-2007 17:45
Great eye to see and record this incongruity, Phil. So often we get used to seeing such incongruities of meaning and forget that they are indeed strangely coupled.
Phil Douglis25-Nov-2007 00:06
There is strong parallel between this image and Carole's Farmington image. The juxtaposition of these tin crucifixes and the sexually exploitative painted skull in my image are certainly echoed by incongruous juxtaposition of the "Jesus is watching you" sign and the Adult Video sign in Carole's image. There is no "adoration" to be seen in that skull, Tim --iconic images of sensual Indian maidens and O'Keefeian cow skulls both sell well in Santa Fe, so why not combine them and double the market?
Tim May24-Nov-2007 18:21
I find the naked woman painted on the skull to be eerie. Especially with the feather that is hanging from the horn and from her hair. It does not seem to be an art piece of adoration. The whole image remind me of the interplay between the sacred and the profane in Carol's image: http://www.pbase.com/cscurlock/image/89221742
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