Siver Eye Field Trip

Of the current works of Martin Weber on display at the Silver Eye Center for Photography, there was one that seemed to particularly catch my attention. The photograph features three women, dressed mostly in white, while one has her hand on the shoulder of a young girl. The three women are in focus, while the little girl and the dark background seem somewhat blurred. It looks as though the women have tears in their eyes, with facial expressions displaying a sense of grief and hints of anger.

Aside from actually reading the translated chalk board they collectively hold, their facial expressions and subtle body language say the most. They seem to be looking to the viewer, outreaching, begging for help in vindicating their losses, but it seems that they look void of all optimism as though they know their dream might be unattainable. They stand together, holding the sign submissively in a manner of peace, while the woman to the right holds the little girl implying some defense. Whether or not it was the intention to have the little girl out of focus or that she might have been moving while the shot was taken, it adds to the viewer’s concentration on the three women and their message.

Martin Weber
To know the truth about what happened to our relatives so the torturers do not stay unpunished.
Rio de Janeiro, 2005
Silver gelatin print