Image of God: Hagia Sophia

1) What does this image mean historically?

Hagia Sophia is a cathedral that is in Istanbul, Turkey, and it was built in the year 360. It served as the cathedral of Constantinople, except between 1204 and 1261, when it was the cathedral of the Latin Empire. The cathedral's dome that is seen in this picture is a famous piece of Byzantine Architecture, and is said to "have changed the history of architecture." The Hagia Sophia has a classical basilica plan. The main dome is carried on pendentives: four concave triangular sections of masonry which solve the problem of setting the circular base of a dome on a rectangular base.

2) What does this image mean to you? Why did you choose it?

When I look at this image I see God. I immediately see the light pouring in through the windows as the Holy Spirit ascending on this cathedral. Because I often think of God as light, I see this light as a spirit that is pouring into the very depths of the shadows toward the floor. I next analyze the light entering through the dome and see that it seems to cover a lot of space for coming through those small windows, which brings me to my next point. I see this image as a comparison. When first observing this picture you may notice how massive the dome is on this cathedral, but then immediately, the light puts this massive building in perspective. Just as you may see the earth and your life as gigantic, when you then think about God the perspective changes. Just as God consumes our life and this earth, the light dominates this towering dome.

3) Is the image true? Why or why not?

Body Interpretation

When I first thought about photographing the my interpretation of the body, the first idea that came to mind was movement. I ran with this, and ended up with an image portraying this very idea. I see the body in this picture as movement in the world. I wanted this characteristic included because this is a primary separation between the body and the earth that surrounds it. The body has a method of movement that is different than everything that surrounds it.

I feel as though when we usually think of the body moving, we immediately think of the legs and feet moving first, after all that is usually how the body gets from one place to another. But this photograph, portrays the opposite, while the feet and legs are more still, the viewer concentrates on all other movements of the body. This distinct motion portrays a body that is full of life, and nearly unaware of the world it is surrounded by. After focusing on a body such as this one for some time, the world surrounding it looks much less interesting. I like how this is portrayed because I believe we can become so captivated by the body and the life it brings to the world, when we then examine the nature it is surrounded by, it looks dull and still, even if there is movement.

It is obviously difficult to analyze the body in this picture because of the motion, but I believe that there are other reasons as well. I like how the subject is dressed in formal wear and it makes me think about how everyone treats there body nowadays, and tries to cover up it's imperfections and flaws. In this way, I see the body camouflaged. The body is not just always covered up, but covered up with something to make outward appearance seem more beautiful and perfect. I believe that an oxymoron can be used today when interpreting the body, and particularly in this picture. You can see that in the body's movement, the body is somewhat eager, for what we don't know, but I see this similarity in culture today, with how eager and swift we are in our daily lives. Body's are always moving in this fashion. At the same time, there is part of me that sees this body as relaxed. I like how this oxymoron relates to my interpretation of the body today. When I think of the movement of bodies today I do see the fast paced lives that these bodies live, but at the same time, humans have found a way to slow down in all the racing. I immediately think of people walking very fast to work, yet listening to some soothing music on their iPod, giving them a more relaxing appearance. The body in this picture suggests movement on to the next appointment in their schedule, but they may be on the phone, or just enjoying the world around them. It is a median portrayal of emotions that we can interpret in body movement which we witness every day.