PHOTOGRAPHER: PATRICK JAMES MICHEL

This image was taken during one of Patrick James Michel’s numerous trips to the American West. It is featured in his book Five, which displays his theme of earth, water, fire, air.

The artist, who has traveled the world and met many communities and tribes including Native Americans and Shamans, leverages his mastery of photography techniques to capture the intangible.

In this image, by playing with contrast and composition, the photographer celebrates the act of faith towards planting corn. In the Hopis communities, it symbolizes the ongoing exchange between the interior and exterior of our body. It has both economic and religious value. Hopis use sacred corn in their ceremonies to stimulate reflection, gratitude and modesty, but also for the pleasure of seeing the grains grow and mature.

 Edition of 15

Larger exceptional formats and custom sizes available upon request at contact@theselectsgallery.com. Prices include framing. Image only available upon request.

For each purchase of a print by Patrick James Michel a donation will be made to Cultural Survival , a non-profit that advocates for Indigenous Peoples' rights and supports Indigenous communities’ self-determination, cultures and political resilience since 1972.