Jessica Zou

Butterfly by Cedric Houin Shot in the Kyrgyz lands of the Wakhan Corridor Remote area of Afghanistan Tribe lives weeks away from any village by foot Shot inside a yurt (portable dwelling structure used by nomads)

Technology

Mix of new technology and old culture

White color stands out from the red

tree branch = supporting pillar

Character: There are two ladies in this picture. The one wearing a red scarf has her head down and a shadow cast across her face. Her hunched position makes it seem like she is closed-off. This shows that she may have had a hard and difficult time adjusting to the change of modern society. Judging by her expression, she isn’t quite happy about it. The lady in the white scarf has her head lift up high. Her facial expression shows no displeasure and her position is very open, meaning she is open to accept the inevitable changes required of her nomad clans in the current society. Color: The picture is mainly dominated by rich reds. The color red symbolizes good luck or wealth in certain cultures. The white scarf particularly stands out against the other colors in the yurt. White often symbolizes purity or acceptance. This once again shows that the lady is open to the idea of technology. Light: Most of the light is cast onto the lady in the white scarf, making it extremely clear to see her face and the weaving wheel in her hand. Her hand barely touches the wheel, showing that she is still holding onto her traditions from the past, yet she sees the hope in the future cast by the light. Even though a part of her doesn’t want to let go of her old way of living, she is able to accept change because she sees the good in it. The rest of the room is dimly lit in contrast. Angle: The picture is taken at just the right angle that you see the red veiled women behind the supporting branch of the yurt. The thick trunk runs right across her. It seems as if she is leaning upon it. Such action shows that she still uses her culture passed down from ancestors as the main support pillar of her life. The angle also perfectly captures the daily occurrences of this nomad tribe. Placement: The way things are scattered around the room like traditional red cloths and metal mechanic parts, show how technology has mixed into their lives. The television and sound console in the background confirms the possibility of change. Proportion: It is clear to see the lady in the red scarf is bigger in size than the lady in the white size, meaning there is more reluctance to change in the nomad tribe than there is of acceptance. This really portrays the hesitance and uncertainty the people have to face. Setting: It is plain to see that they have kept up their old traditions of dressing and decorating their yurt by the colorful fabrics and cloths displayed. The reason for the picture to be taken in a yurt is to show their daily life and how modern society has influenced it, as well as the effort to preserve old traditions and customs.