IN SHIVA'S SHADOWS
IN SHIVAS' SHADOWS, international photographer Raphael Rapior opens a window to Indian street life. In his black & white photographs, his subjects emanate a strong, dignified and silent beauty; their eyes reflecting the universal message of pain, sadness, hope, and happiness. As viewers observe these 10-foot high canvasses at his exhibitions, Raphael creates mirrors that reflect culture; breaking down geographical borders and showing the soul of his subjects through his eyes. "The Hindu God Shiva is the Destroyer of the Universe. He takes hope and gives hope; destroys and creates. The title of this series is a symbol; a representation of the lesser documented portions of Indian culture and so I’m shining a light In Shiva’s Shadows. Transporting the observer to the slums of India to witness the acceptance, the despair and the hope of the people living there. I want to reach out to the viewer, encouraging a dialogue with my images and connect them with the emotions behind the photographs.
