Symbolism Of The Red Bag

Purity! What is pure about this kneeling man with a broken body? Being washed is a symbol of baptism. His baptism of muddy river water is as pure to him as it evokes the feeling of peace, freedom and independence. The open field brings the reality that he has escaped from hardship and can now in inner peace, close his eyes and wait for his new day.

War left its mark on his body and his facial expression tells about his experience of post-traumatic stress after the onslaught. His thoughts include running away, being mutilated, hacked, and lack of food, shelter and protection for him and his caring friend.

The washing hands expressing it own language about life. Aged hands show hardship and caring, gentle touch as well as laying on with hands to anoint his friend with water. The empty pockets and empty bags evoke our sympathy of all that they lost during war. They did not only loose their livelihood but also their dignity as human beings. Kneeling under the pressure of life without the ability to touch, however, in contrast he also kneels under the safe hands of his friend.
Placed in green grass that portray of new life and that they have survived their ordeal. Their lives might look like a loss or worthless but with their will to survive and the bond of caring and friendship, will make them live for a better tomorrow.

The photographer took the image at a lower angle to impact depth, shooting at a lower angle also makes the photo more interesting. During the early years, war photography was used to inform public about the impact of war and the devastation it caused. The negative side we see the survivors that lost it all, for example, broken bodies, loss of families and homes and emotional damage. On the other side we see that the survivors find hope and have the ability to rebuild all facets of their