Question.3357 - Find a photograph that has punctum for you and draft a 400-word paragraph that does the following: Describe the photograph, Identify the function(s) of studium performed by the photograph, Identify the detail(s) in the photograph that elicit(s) punctum for you, and Describe the painful affects evoked in you by that detail/those details. Once you are done drafting your paragraph, please copy and paste it into the textbox that appears below. Likewise, please upload the photograph to which you are responding in the paragraph.
Answer Below:
The photograph was taken by Koen Wessing in Nicaragua in the year of 1979. It captures both as violence and spirituality in a war-torn street. Image in black and white, shows the soldiers patrolling the foreground. They are ready with weapons. Two nuns behind those soldiers seems to be crossing the street, looks like their habit billowing as they walk. The picture’s historical and social context is what conveys the stadium. It shows a very powerful visual representation of the conflict in Nicaragua during the late 1970s. It also highlights the tension of military force as well as religious presence. The soldier and nuns’ juxtaposition poses a metaphor as the broader struggle comes into the picture between violence and peace versus oppression and hope. The viewers of the image contemplate the complexities of war and its impact on everyday life. In my opinion, the punctum of this photograph lies as the nuns walk, in the slightly blurred. As I go through the photograph, I see the very subtle detail, absolutely unintentionally taken by the photographer. It draws my attention and pierces through the broader narrative. A quiet defiance in the face of armed conflict suggests a movement and a purpose. Despite the dangerous environment, the nuns are continuing with their lives. It seems that their faith is unshaken by the presence of the soldiers with the weapons. The details of the photograph show a series of emotions, which is sort of painful and brings a sense of uneasiness to me. I clearly see the stark contrast between the nuns’ peaceful presence and the potential possibility of violence that is represented by the soldiers. The blurred habits convey the fragility of life in the zone of conflict where the movement of moments bestows the difference between safety and danger. I feel extremely sad thinking how the civilians had probably been caught in the crossfire of political and ideological battles. Their present and future state of life is uncertain. The image also brings a sense of feeling of admiration with a mixture of worry for the nuns. Despite of such dangerous circumstances, the nun’s commitment of their calling is really inspiring but heart breaking too. I wonder thinking about their thoughts and fears and how they are navigating the risky situation. The punctum showcases a sense of helplessness too. Though I am quite away from the time and space from the moment which is captured in the photograph but I am pretty much aware of how I cannot intervene or offer aid. It serves as a poignant reminder of the continuous conflicts around the world and how innumerable individuals live their lives amidst danger and uncertainty. Reference: Strawberry. (2013, March 12). Roland Barthes: studium and punctum. Museum of Education; Museum of Education. https://educationmuseum.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/roland-barthes-studium-and-punctum/More Articles From Arts
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