What story would you write? Merkinguna is Icelandic and translates to "The Meaning" in English. This is such a special piece to us and one of our all-time favorite images. We created this image specifically so that YOU create the meaning. You tell the story. So that you are confused. So that every time you look at it, you write a new page to the tale. We purposefully chose a grey dress against the background of the black church. Why? White would traditionally symbolize "good" or innocence while a black dress could symbolize "dark" or sinister things. But a grey dress? That is such an ambiguous color. Grey, the perfect blend of both black and white. It doesn't symbolize good, yet it doesn't symbolize bad either. It just "is" and this color allows you to tell the story and choose the meaning differently with each viewing. Next, the subject isn't showing her face. Once again, in a white dress with a calm face, you would assume a wedding or a princess. Showing the face would show you the emotion. But right now, you are deprived of that and must choose the meaning yourself, and that is the power of this piece. Many viewers have told us that this image reminds them of their relationship with religion. It isn't black and white, just like the grey dress in this piece. Religion has hurt them, or religion has helped them to get out of hurt. Their relationship with the church is a very grey area. Merkinguna was taken at 2 am in the Westman Islands of Iceland. This is why the lighting is so unique. We had just stood with hundreds of locals and watched two rescued Beluga Whales be unloaded from a truck into their new sanctuary. We decided to head here after, and this unique image was born. So now it is your turn. What story would you write?
