Emory College Study Abroad
Subtle Whispers
IES Rome, Spring 2017
Venice, Italy
This is a photo I took in Venice during the world famous Carnevale. Most people donned masks around the city, some even purposefully dressing extravagantly so their photo would be taken. This photo represents a distinct Italian cultural event that began in 1162 with the defeat of Patriarch of Aquileia by the Venice Republic. The people gathered in San Marco Square to dance and celebrate their victory with elaborate costumes and masks, and this has been continued tradition ever since. Nonetheless, what I found most engaging about this photo is the woman on the left seemingly whispering to the woman on the right. This photo creates a sense of mystery as we wonder not only their identities, but what they're whispering about as well. Stylistically, their presence also creates repetition with the rest of the photo. There are the two women, and the pattern is then continued by the presence of the gondolas and the wooden poles. The vertical wooden poles also coincide with the church in background. The verticality of the poles is then continued by the church bell tower. I found this very intriguing and engaging. The church in the background on the left with the two women on the right creates tension, drawing the eye away from the center. Furthermore, the weather also created a very interesting effect in the photo. The fog gives the photo a mysterious feeling, adding to the mystery of what the two women are discussing. These are all components that create intrigue on the part of the viewer and display a Italian celebration that has continued for nearly 900 years.
Subtle Whispers
IES Rome, Spring 2017
Venice, Italy
This is a photo I took in Venice during the world famous Carnevale. Most people donned masks around the city, some even purposefully dressing extravagantly so their photo would be taken. This photo represents a distinct Italian cultural event that began in 1162 with the defeat of Patriarch of Aquileia by the Venice Republic. The people gathered in San Marco Square to dance and celebrate their victory with elaborate costumes and masks, and this has been continued tradition ever since. Nonetheless, what I found most engaging about this photo is the woman on the left seemingly whispering to the woman on the right. This photo creates a sense of mystery as we wonder not only their identities, but what they're whispering about as well. Stylistically, their presence also creates repetition with the rest of the photo. There are the two women, and the pattern is then continued by the presence of the gondolas and the wooden poles. The vertical wooden poles also coincide with the church in background. The verticality of the poles is then continued by the church bell tower. I found this very intriguing and engaging. The church in the background on the left with the two women on the right creates tension, drawing the eye away from the center. Furthermore, the weather also created a very interesting effect in the photo. The fog gives the photo a mysterious feeling, adding to the mystery of what the two women are discussing. These are all components that create intrigue on the part of the viewer and display a Italian celebration that has continued for nearly 900 years.