Harry Gruyaert. Niger River, Mali. 1988
Photo Credit: Huckmag.com

Belgian photographer Harry Gruyaert, known for his exceptional use of colour, often transforms ordinary scenes into visual narratives. In this photograph, a young boy leans peculiarly over a balustrade, his posture suggesting he is asleep, set against a piece of strikingly patterned red fabric that stands out in a mountain-like shape, possibly due to an object beneath it. This scene is rich in contrasts: the boy’s figure against the vivid fabric, and the fabric’s hues against the serene green-blue of the river. Gruyaert himself has expressed that he remains unaware of what lay beneath the fabric, adding a layer of mystery for viewers.

The power of juxtaposing everyday elements
This image makes one consider how easily an ordinary passerby might overlook such a tableau, perhaps only noticing the boy while missing the red fabric’s dramatic visual counterpoint. It serves as a reminder to be more observant of the world’s offerings, encouraging us to appreciate the complexity and beauty in everyday scenes.

https://www.huckmag.com/article/magnum-square-project-great-journeys

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