Alec Soth Photo Response

After viewing Alec Soth's projects, this photo stood out amongst the images that moved me the most. To my understanding this image was taken in Bogotá. Supposing that the men in the photo are military figures, the placing of the subjects make the overall image very interesting.

Alec Soth (Dog Days, Bogotá)

I don't know much about the government, but after briefly researching its history on the Internet, I interpret this image to say many things about Bogotá: past, present, and future. Bogotá has had its fair share of wars as it trudged and muddied through hard times and numerous overturns of governmental shifts in power. This is depicted in the background of the photo; you can see the city below through the midst of dust, and polluted air. To this day the military is still a prominent and strong force throughout the land. Such is that in the foreground is the dominant subjects of the image, the men dressed in uniform: sitting high and pretty, elevated on a pedestal overlooking the rest of their country. However, there is hope present in this situation. For with turmoil comes strength, and with strength comes hope, and with hope comes will, and with will comes perseverance, and through perseverance, prosperity. Just like how--meekly but nevertheless noticeably--a tree can be seen in the foreground, next to the men. The tree signifies life and hope, and as it is in juxtaposition with the assumed men of power, this image tells us that there is hope for the country. New beginnings and new found life seem to be in the near future, and its beauty shall be embraced.    ~~~RL