Vasile Dorolti's Photos Use Jesus Statues to Symbolize Changing Traditions
Rahul Kalvapalle — May 9, 2014 — Social Good
References: vasiledorolti.blogspot.nl & featureshoot
Romanian photographer Vasile Dorolti's photo series 'People and Crosses' depicts Christian crucifixes and crosses, using them as a metaphor for the modernization and erosion of tradition. The photos focus on the crosses seen in Maramures County in Romania.
Traditionally, representations of Jesus were locally handcrafted and comprised visual displays of local art. In recent times however, local handcrafting skills have been disappearing as locals have been switching to Jesus representations produced elsewhere in the world. The new plastic Jesus representations lack the old spirit of the villages, and represent the practicality of consumerism.
By taking a close look at the seemingly innocuous trend of replacing handcrafted Jesus statues with imported plastic versions, Dorolti subtly captures the erosion of meaning and the emergence of questionable aesthetic sense in religious representations.
Traditionally, representations of Jesus were locally handcrafted and comprised visual displays of local art. In recent times however, local handcrafting skills have been disappearing as locals have been switching to Jesus representations produced elsewhere in the world. The new plastic Jesus representations lack the old spirit of the villages, and represent the practicality of consumerism.
By taking a close look at the seemingly innocuous trend of replacing handcrafted Jesus statues with imported plastic versions, Dorolti subtly captures the erosion of meaning and the emergence of questionable aesthetic sense in religious representations.
Trend Themes
1. Modernization of Religious Symbols - The trend of using imported plastic Jesus statues instead of locally handcrafted ones symbolizes the erosion of tradition and the practicality of consumerism.
2. Erosion of Cultural Artistic Spirit - The shift from local handcrafted Jesus representations to plastic ones represents the disappearance of the old spirit of the villages.
3. Questionable Aesthetic Sense in Religion - The use of plastic Jesus representations highlights the emergence of a trend where aesthetic appeal takes precedence over deep meaning in religious symbols.
Industry Implications
1. Artisan Crafts - The declining demand for locally handcrafted Jesus statues creates an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the artisan crafts industry.
2. Plastic Manufacturing - The growing trend of using plastic Jesus statues opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the plastic manufacturing industry.
3. Religious Iconography - The shift towards imported plastic Jesus representations presents a potential for disruptive innovation in the religious iconography industry, focusing on finding new ways to balance aesthetics and deep meaning.
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