This paper analyzes Henri Cartier-Bresson's photo, "Barrio Chino, Barcelona, Spain, 1933" in its socio-historical context, revealing how the imagery of the photo relates to its context of Depression-era Spain.
Abstract This paper explains that, after returning from Africa in the early Thirties, Cartier-Bresson was influenced by the vivacity of primitivism and tried to find its counterpart in some of the poor neighborhoods of Europe. The author points out that the artist's choice of camera, the small-format Leica, allowed Cartier-Bresson the freedom to shoot quickly and with minimal camera resetting time (i.e. advancing film, changing film). The paper relates that the rising presence of magazines and photojournalism in the 1930s generously supported Cartier-Bresson financially and allowed him the economic freedom required for him to travel the world taking pictures.
From the Paper "The tired, desperate look on the man's face coupled with the look of shock on the face of the drawing, paint a profound picture of desperation. What seems like merely a "snapshot" photograph can be deeply analyzed to reveal an insightful comment on the poverty and hopelessness so prevalent during the depression. In an era when most cameras were large, and bulky, it doesn?t seem possible for a photo such as this one to be taken off the cuff and un-posed. But the fact is that Cartier-Bresson's photos were not posed and the next paragraph will discuss how new camera technology allowed him the freedom to take pictures like this one taken in Spain in 1933."
Abstract This paper looks at angelology from several points of view. Firstly, it shows that many are skeptical about the existence of angels, since they cannot be physically perceived with the senses. Thus these people take a rational and scientific view of the issue, explaining angels in religious literature in rational, naturalistic terms. It then explains the religious (Christian) view where the Bible features angels in both the Old and New Testaments. Such evidence is enough for Christians to justify a religious belief in angels. Finally, the paper covers the more occult view of actual current experiences with angels. Some people claim to have had experiences such as dreams and visions during which angels visited them. This, like all other occult phenomena including mediumism, is a highly controversial issue. The paper describes the nature of angels and gives evidence of their existence from the above-mentioned points of view. It concludes that, in the same way as beauty, the reality of angels is in the eye of the beholder.
From the Paper "The supernatural concept of angels as it is depicted in a society not necessarily attached to any religion is therefore now considered. Many religious persons have termed any reference to the supernatural outside of religious scripture as dangerously "occult". The appearance of angels in society and the media is therefore a highly controversial issue. A television show such as "Touched by an Angel" for example has been rejected by many Christians as unbiblical, and thus perpetuating the misconceptions attached to these creatures. However, even biblical conceptions of angels appear to disagree more than anything else, and surely each person has the right to investigate and prove the matter for him- or herself. It thus appears to be a much more personal issue than some religious fanatics would admit."
Tags: Demythologization, Rudolph, Steiner, Satan, Chino, Michael
