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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Forty-Seven: How using words in pictures can expand meaning > Multiple worlds, Chinatown, San Francisco, California, 2007
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11-JUN-2007

Multiple worlds, Chinatown, San Francisco, California, 2007

Chinatown reflects both Asian traditions and the dynamic presence of a 21st century American city. The words on the wall are in an Asiatic language. They seem to be incongruously at odds with the woman who pushes her stroller beneath them. Another woman slumps next to a tree, her shopping bags at her feet. She seems to exist in a world of her own. This image would probably mean even more to those who understand the meaning of the words on that wall. A final incongruity is provided by the reflections in the windows – a futuristic cityscape appears to us, but neither of these women will ever see it.

(Since I first posted this image, viewer CeiPui Wong has emailed me to tell us that " the words in this image are written in Traditional Chinese, the 3 big words on the top line means "Very Delicious", the 5 words in bottom line means "A Leisure Eatery Place". Thanks, CeiPui. Now we can view this image with full context for it.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/160s f/4.0 at 11.4mm iso100 full exif

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Phil Douglis21-Jun-2007 18:18
Glad this image works for you, Jenene, as it did for me. And thanks for seeing the painted over graffiti -- you have added still another layer of meaning to this image for us. It is ironic that for us, anyway, one idecipherable text has been elminated so that another can have primacy. As for your disassociation, one of the great benefits of expressive photography is that can reawaken old dreams and experiences and make us feel associated with a long forgotten place once again.
JSWaters21-Jun-2007 03:59
Before I read Tim's comment and your response, I found myself focusing on the wall with the painted lettering, both the visible and the invisible. Obviously graffiti has been painted over and I find the thought amusing that, at least for me, one indecipherable text has been eliminated so that another one could remain in view. I don't mean this to sound callous, I'm just discovering the feeling of disassociation from a city that I grew up next door to!
Jenene
Phil Douglis20-Jun-2007 22:47
Thanks, Tim, for bringing up this point. Words can function within images on three different levels. The content, of course, is paramount. In this case, I can't provide the content, since I can't read the langauge on the wall, and I am not even sure which Asian language it is. Japanese? Korean? Or is it a variant of Chinese? I hope that somebody who sees this image and discussion can provide a translation, because it could add worthwhile context. Secondly, the graphic form of the sign itself can also communicate ideas -- even without knowledge of the language itself. Although many of my viewers can't read this Asian language, they can understand that this lettering does symbolize an Asian community within the United States. (Another example of words used in a photo as graphic communication as well as linguistic communication, is the Indian occupation of Alcatraz graffiti in this gallery that you commented on earlier today -- where the word "free" replaces the red stripes in the US shield.) And finally, a sign can also function in terms of its placement within the image. In this case, it provides a symbolic roof over the head of the woman with the stroller. It is a metaphorical "home" for her and her child. Thanks again for raising this issue, Tim, and giving me a chance to add still another dimension of potential meaning to this image.
Tim May20-Jun-2007 22:09
This image raises an interesting point for me about words in pictures. Jay Maisel said to us that whenever you place words in you photos be very aware - because the viewer will look at the words first. The words will take on great significance. I try, as I photograph other languages, to remember this and to try to get translations. For me, especially asian language print is an aesthetic element - meaningful in form - but, for me, meaningless in content. Part of why I photography is to expand understanding, respect, and tolerance for the diverse cultures of the world. I want to be sure I know what the word in the image is saying. This in no way is meant as a criticism for your inclusion of the words - it is only a thought about my process as a photographer.
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