In Teju Cole’s essay “Perfect and Unrehearsed,” the fourth photograph captivated me. This portrait captures a moment of profound distress: a man, visibly heartbroken by the death of is mother, while being held back by a group of men. His outstretched arms and pained expression show his desperate struggle, making his suffering almost visible. This picture also illustrates how the men holding him are offering support and comfort, while many others contribute to this funeral, showing the collective effort to uplift and support him during this time of grief.The dominant expression was the raw emotion in this man’s face which brings a deep sense of sympathy and compassion from the people viewing this photo. As stated in the caption , this photograph was taken in Haiti, providing an insight into local funeral customs.The presence of crosses and a sign depicting Jesus on the cross, held up high , reinforces this interpretation. The surrounding symbols also contribute to the dull atmosphere, their serious expressions reflecting the gravity of the moment. This photo shows us a moment of raw human emotion and the collective response to loss. Additionally capturing a glimpse into the cultural practices of Haitian funerals, highlighting how their mourning rituals involve the whole community. Showing how deeply people come together to support each other during hard times .
Great post! Good details.
-Prof. Scanlan