The Wrapper
A close-up of the packaged Hermes. I have used this plaster cast copy of the head of the Olympian Hermes for many years as my photographic punching ball. Before that, and for decades, students of drawing have used (and abused) this sculpture. I am in all likelihood continuing the abuse. I have wrapped the image of God. Keeping him warm and alive under a protective aluminium foil? Hiding or even denying his presence? Manipulating, packaging and turning him into a commodity, into a creation of mine? Alternatively, did he die, or even, choose to hide? Coming again like a thief in the night when I won't expect it? Is he closer to me than my jugular? Is the wrapping for my own protection? This is the punching ball, and its reach is not limited to photography.
The Wrapper
A close-up of the packaged Hermes. I have used this plaster cast copy of the head of the Olympian Hermes for many years as my photographic punching ball. Before that, and for decades, students of drawing have used (and abused) this sculpture. I am in all likelihood continuing the abuse. I have wrapped the image of God. Keeping him warm and alive under a protective aluminium foil? Hiding or even denying his presence? Manipulating, packaging and turning him into a commodity, into a creation of mine? Alternatively, did he die, or even, choose to hide? Coming again like a thief in the night when I won't expect it? Is he closer to me than my jugular? Is the wrapping for my own protection? This is the punching ball, and its reach is not limited to photography.