Following the Steps of the Christ of Health (Tras los pasos del Cristo de la Salud)
This project documents a 170-year-old tradition in Zaraza, a small town in the Venezuelan plains. It is the first Catholic procession of the year worldwide, occurring every January 1st. However, rather than a mere religious record, I have approached this ritual as a study of light, texture, and collective memory.
Using high-contrast monochrome, I aimed to strip away the distractions of the modern world to reveal the raw, timeless essence of faith. The series explores the physical struggle of the carriers, the intimacy of the devotees, and the poetic presence of shadows against the weathered textures of the town’s architecture.
I believe my work aligns with the aesthetic standards of Black & White Magazine, emphasizing the storytelling power of the gray scale and the decisive moment.
You may view the full essay at the following link: https://rafaelayalapaez.wordpress.com/proyectos/
