buddhist gravemarkers

 

Ansel Adams (American, 1902-1984)Buddhist Grave markers and Rainbow, Paia, Maui, Hawaii, 1956 Gelatin silver print Collection Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona ©2013 First Hawaiian Bank

We asked community members to tell us a little bit about why this particular image captivated them. Here are some of their responses… 

“Without history, we are doomed to repeat it, Filial piety is our way of honor” – Michelle M.

“Its the first photo of a rainbow I’ve ever seen in black & white, yet it is almost as beautiful as in color. I feel like I can SEE the color of the rainbow.”Emmett

“It encapsulates life that was, brought a new with this life – free flowing seas & light from rainbows – encompassing both, creating a peaceful existence in both.” – Janine A.

“It depicts such an iconic emblem of Hawai`i (the rainbow) in its barest fashion – a banded arc connecting points of nowhere…somehow now connecting the realm of the living and that of the dead.” – Matt G.

“Transition into the next realm accentuated by a rainbow in black & white gives pause for thought. Death is a part of our daily lives and graveyards carry our histories”Dawn

It represents life & death or a beginning with an end” – Ilyssa G.

How does this image captivate you? Did the artistic composition catch your eye? Do you have a personal connection to the subject?  Join the conversation at hawaiipictures@honolulumuseum.org