3. Preliminary reading of work

"caging the songbird / enjaulando al pájaro cantor"

This first image titled "caging the songbird" expresses a strong emotion through the role of technology to enhance visual language. This image is one of the more realistic images in Chambers body of work, however the question aroused is why the girl is alone in the desolate room with a bird who has fled the cage. The subject matter appears to be of a girl who has finally come to let go of what has happened in her life with the symbolism of the bird as her letting go of what has occurred. The image shows of the girl letting go and trying to move on from what has happened. From the analysis of this body of work 'dreaming in reverse' it is plausible to assume that she is letting go of the troubles that have happened in her country. However she has done this alone, due to the fact that she is still trying to hold on to the traditional cultural aspects that still remain. However whilst the bird has been released from the cage it seems hesitant or unsure if it should fly away as it looks down to the ground. This also shows the connection between trying to let go of what has occurred but also trying to hold on to culture and traditions.

"glass flower / flor de vidrio"

This second image titled "Glass Flower" definitely shows Chambers' use of photo technology to create his message. When first analysing the image, the focus is point is definitely the deer on the table. This again shows Chambers use of magic realism as the background seems realistic however with the deer making the image appear somewhat untrue. The only noticeable use of technology that Chambers has used is the photoshop of the deer as the lighting of the image appears to be natural light. Chambers again uses animals and children in relation to portray the message. In this image the relation of the girl and deer appear to be very different as the deer appears to be more attentive and aware whilst the girl appears very reserved. The deer appears very attentive due to the fact that its mind is focused on the glass flower. The glass flower portrays the message of warmth and brightness, which I think is a key symbol in this specific body of work as Chambers' portrays the message of conflict but also shows moving on.