Prompt: After viewing the imagery and the written commentary, what are your reactions to the piece? Choose the image that you find most powerful and write a synopsis of what you think happened the day in which that particular image was shot. Label your description so that others can refer to your chosen piece. The top image is one, the second is two, and so on.
In Whose Name?
Photographs by Abbas
Photographs by Abbas
Abbas, a member of Magnum since 1981, takes us along with him on a journey among the believers. This journey started on September 11, 2001 when Abbas watched live on Siberian television the tragedy taking place thirteen time zones away. A year later, confronted with a giant cross erected on the ruins of the World Trade Center, he asked, "Does one form of religious intolerance lead to another?"This led him to embark on a seven year project completed in the book In Whose Name? and soon to be exhibited at the Magnum gallery in Paris.Driven by a desire to understand how the Ummah, the polity of Muslims throughout the world, let violent jihadism develop in its midst, he traveled through 16 countries. From New York to Jakarta, from Kabul to Zanzibar, through Baghdad, Teheran and Dubai his quest was the same:“My relationship with God has always been of a professional nature, I have never been on first name terms with Him. It’s not so much God who engrosses me as other people’s perception of Him and the unacceptable things they do in His name.“
5 comments:
Religous, corrupt, brutal. Thats what plays through my head when i look at these pictures.
I absolutly love the last image. I think the title "In Whose Name?" has a very strong meaning behind it. The graves in the background hint that there is a lot of corruption where ever that picture is taken.
I first think of war when I observe these photos. As I scroll down, I think of other country’s beliefs and culture. Also, I cannot help but think of brainwashing and constant unhappiness. These photos do not excite me and they definitely do not make me happy, but I do have respect for each one.
Fourth image: this image was taken in the morning. There was an announcement the night before addressed to all the men and boys to meet at the center of the village to discuss war. All these men and boys were expected to participate in any battle that was to happen. These young boys were supposed to be armed with weapons and were told to use them. Later that day, all the males were set up at their posts. Each one was alone because the commander felt that they did not have enough soldiers to be paired up.
Latendresse
5-6
period 5
Eli Groves
The motive behind this series’ purpose is clear, but concealed within the imagery. For me, at least, it is difficult to see the story being told within the photographs.
Abbas did a terrific job capturing all the different vantage points of controversy and misfortune that surround this tragedy. I see security, distraught, praise, anxiety, and satisfaction within these images.
The very first photograph really speaks to me when considering what story it is meant to tell. Security has been elevated in light of recent developments occurring “thirteen time zones away.” Soldiers are being drafted non-stop and then are deposited in locations where defense would otherwise be unnecessary. These soldiers are aware of the circumstances and understand that no matter how weary and inactive their stations may be, they are in the process of making a difference.
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When I first scanned through the images I thought of war and of protesting.
I find the second image most interesting. I feel like the people in the image are trying to get away from all the stress. Everyone in the photo seems calm but at the same time they look worried. So maybe one day the two girls decided to go to town and just have some fun. Maybe something bad happened to one of the girls since one of them has a band-aid in their nose.
Gustavo
When I first look at the pictures I think of war and violence. I don't know if it's the most powerful, but the picture I find most interesting is the fourth one. It looks like the people are all watching something, so maybe they all gathered to watch a news report about the war, or other things going on in their country.
Olivia Ottinger
Period 5
Photo 5-6
10/19/09
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