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

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Phil Douglis10-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)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 Douglis15-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.
sunlightpix15-Oct-2011 16:35
I'm seeing a similarity between the plastic coated crucifix and the bananas.
Phil Douglis14-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 Sandgren12-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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