Image of God - Sally Mann- Picnic

This is a picture by Sally Mann, titled Picnic. It is part of a collection titled Immediate Family which has brought Mann much critical attention. In this and other photos in the collection, Mann uses her own children as the subjects in view. They are often portrayed in natural environments, nude and exposed to the world. The tone of these pictures is usually dark. The images contemplate death, sexuality and insecurity. Mann has received much controversial reception regarding these photos. But she simply considers them depictions of childhood in its many forms. She has also received much acclaim.

For me, this image represents the multi-dimensions of God, specifically in regards to His presence. The burning in the background is indeed reminiscent of the burning bush which appeared to Moses, but I don't so much take it to mean that God is precisely in that area. Instead I see it more as just one type of manifestation of God. What I mean is that God is always present among those who believe, but every now and then He manifests Himself more concretely to make Himself more immediately sensed. In this picture, the children are going about their business when God suddenly makes Himself immediately present. The children turn from what they are doing to that which cannot be ignored. Yes, God is in the burning bush, but just for a moment. He is always amongst those who believe.

This image is true because it is analogous to God's manifestations. God appears as a burning bush because it is a captivating figure. It is very immediate. It won't last for long. When it occurs, we are urged to take notice and beware. Our proximity should be considered. If we are too close we will be singed; too far, and we will not know exactly what we are looking at. Our simplicity as children before God is also depicted. What we busy ourselves with is no match for who God is. His demands are undeniable. Though He is always present, we only really pay attention when He is immediately present.

Image of God - Hagia Sophia

1. The Hagia Sophia is house of worship/museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Throughout its history it has served multiple religions. When first completed in 537 A.D. it was a Orthodox basilica dedicated to Jesus Christ. Later on it became a mosque. And presently it serves as a museum. It is considered to be the best representation of Byzantine architecture. Its large size established it as the largest cathedral for about a thousand years.

2. This image represents God as light. His presence is made apparent by the soft rays which enter through the dome. What this means to me is that though God is present in the hearts of the believers inside the cathedral, He also chooses to visually manifest Himself by His natural creation. There is also an interesting aspect that God works with the human creation of the dome. He penetrates where He is let in.

3. This image is true. I'm willing to say this because the image addresses multiple aspects of the life. It demonstrates God as penetrating and illuminating. As light, His presence is greatly welcomed and basked in. It also demonstrates how God works with what humans create. Because there are numerous entries into this building is why God enters. There is an interaction. This a true reflection of life.

The Body

The body possess endless potential. It grows and forms as we live in this world. Innate settings and environmental factors all take their part in how we develop and what our bodies end up being. So we make our choices and experience the consequences. The culture also makes its choices. A moment of realization comes when we stand in contrast to another.

The Buddha and Greek Warrior demonstrate contrast. They are both fully grown. The choices they've made and directions they've taken with their lives are on display. Their cultures are also exemplified. The Buddha has lived a life of inward meditation and has achieved a peace in his own body. The Greek warrior has lived a life of outward strength and has developed a body that is built for war. Their potentials have been formed and realized. Next to each other, we can see how far apart they have grown.

When considering what the body is, I think of potential. So many choices, so many directions. With an endless variety to deal with, I decided to not pick a figure with its potentials developed. I thought of a human in its infancy. Unfortunately, I do not readily have access to a young child. Instead I decided to experience what a baby might experience. So I crawled on the floor and tried to re-conceptualize the discovery of my body and its movements. The above shot is me coming to terms. Though in reality I am fully formed, in my mind I have endless potential still.