Age of the Image Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Age of the Image - Essay Example This paper analyzes the image Omayra Sanchez by Frank Fournier. Omayra Sanchez was a 13-year-old girl was one of the victims of the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz volcano that took place in Columbia. The analysis will show the tremendous impact of the image in defining Omayra Sanchez, the Columbian government, and the photographer (BBC 1). The Nevado del Ruiz volcano is a living stratovolcano that generates deadly volcanic mudflows in Colombia (The Famous Pictures Collection 1). In November 13, 1985, the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted leading to a blanket of ash that covered the town of Armero and buried villages with mud (The Famous Pictures Collection 1). The image relates to the Age of the Image that defines the transformation of literacy through the ages leading to the interaction between words and images in modern culture (Apkon and Martin 1). Indeed, upon publication, the "Agony of Omayra SÃ ¡nchez" had tremendous impact due to the controversy and information it derived about the Colom bia government, humanitarian organizations, Omayra SÃ ¡nchez, and Frank Fournier (Obviousmag 1). The photographer’s role and the Colombian government’s inaction were aspects that dominated the publication of the "Agony of Omayra SÃ ¡nchez." Buried up to her waist in concrete debris from her own home and submerged up to her neck in freezing water, the 13-year girl manifested profound courage and dignity as she agonized for about 60 hours (BBC 1). The photo depicted her pasty-white shriveled hands and bloodshot eyes.