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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Eighty-three: Impressions of the Galapagos – an extended photo-essay > In touch, Marine Iguanas, Punta Saurez, Espanola Island, The Galapagos, Ecuador, 2012
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22-JUN-2012

In touch, Marine Iguanas, Punta Saurez, Espanola Island, The Galapagos, Ecuador, 2012

Marine Iguanas are often found in large numbers clinging to the rocks and lava along Galapagos shorelines.They are the world's only sea-going lizards. There are seven kinds of them, spread around the various islands. The most colorful are found here on Espanola. In this image, I move in on a single hand, resting comfortably on the back of a red Marine Iguana at Punta Saurez. Since these iguanas gather close to each other in huge colonies, such gestures are common. Whether it is a touch of affection or simply a convenient resting posture remains a mystery. I leave such answers to the imagination of the viewer.

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Phil Douglis17-Nov-2012 17:27
Thanks, Patricia, for this thought provoking comment. I have always felt that perhaps the greatest gift an image can bestow is that "indelible mark on the memory." In this image, the gesture takes center stage. I stressed the gesture by eliminating almost everything else. The resulting limited context forces the viewer's imagination to work harder. You are right-- the image is all about touch. Is it a touch of affection or simply a hand at rest? The answer is left to the imagination, as well. I agree -- it is a magical moment in time, and does symbolize an aspect of an ancient and primitive community.
Patricia Lay-Dorsey16-Nov-2012 21:00
It is difficult to choose but if I were to have to say which of these glorious images is my favorite--which one has placed its indelible mark on my memory--it is this one. The abstracted POV with expressive fingers resting on another's back speaks to the ancient communal aspects of the lives of these amazing creatures. Thank you, Phil, for seeing and capturing this magical moment.
Phil Douglis03-Aug-2012 19:03
I see that this picture has put your imagination to work, Carol. And that was why I made this image as I did. Yes, this gesture could represent a push. It also can be interpreted as a gesture of comfort. Most likely, this gesture is simply the result of dense positioning. Marine iguanas spend most of the day inactive, sunning themselves to raise body temperature, which they must do before feeding. As such, they often gather in dense groupings, piling on each other to conserve heat. It is simply a natural function at work here.
Carol E Sandgren03-Aug-2012 04:35
To me i see more of a push from that hand on the back of someone else... but I suppose it could be any kind of emotion expressed here, and we will never know. It is nice that they don't talk!
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