This image shows an open book with a folded U.S. bill tucked between the pages. The pairing of a book (knowledge, wisdom, spirituality, or literature) and money (material value, survival, power) often represents the tension between intellect and wealth, or the idea that true value isn't always monetary. Wealth is hidden within knowledge - you find it by reading, thinking, or reflecting.
Film photography by Rafael Arturo. (2018)
The book is an introspective, philosophical conversation -- a journey of self-questioning and self discovery. The description opens with: "Where do we begin? Wh0 are we? Who are you?" - key existential questions.
It invites the reader to enter into a dialogue with the author's inner life: "Enter the conversation with me and myself".
There's a clear theme of silence, solitude, and internal reckoning - the idea that in silence one asks and answers the deepest questions.
The author presentation indicates a desire to unravel motives and reason, to expose truth through multiple artistic channels (word, image, emotion).
So structurally and thematically, it seems like a poetic-philosophical work rather than a narrative novel, more meditative than plot-driven.
1st Gen Dominican-American, Afro Latino beat poet, born in the city of Boston and raised in the heart of Dorchester with roots through Roxbury and Uphams Corner. This is the official home for all things poetry and creative writing as he explores themes such as Spirituality, Spiritual Science, Identity, Love and Culture.
Many of Arturo's work pays homage to his enthusiasm and admiration for the music of Jazz, stemming influence from legendary Beat Poets such as Amiri Baraka (aka LeRoi Jones), The Watts Prophets, Allen Ginsberg, and Langston Hughes. Finding the happy intertwining of rhythm and sound with combining words to create a feeling like Jazz would do. Rafael's crafting of poems brings you deep within, unfolding his fist to show raw truth, vulnerability, humor and growth.
For more info about his journey, visit the About page.