John Chapman, Red Right Hand (OPEN 2021)

I was originally attracted to the photogenic possibilities of a red hand by the song “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The symbolism of a red hand has been appropriated in many ways through the ages to represent struggle, strength, power, cruelty and vengeance. Cave’s song expresses a more nuanced version of a red hand that suggests benign power with undertones of menace. My images address such dichotomy by combining diverse symbolism with pious contemplation. …He's a god, he's a man He's a ghost, he's a guru They're whispering his name Through this disappearing land But hidden in his coat Is a red right hand… (Red right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds)

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.