- Interstices of Faith:Urban Palos in the Dominican Republic
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"Dominican Palos" constitute a marvelous representation of Afro-Dominican traditions and beliefs. It is a sacred rhythm played during religious celebrations to honor the saints, the dead, and, also, the living. For many years, Palos, as other Afro-Dominican cultural demonstrations, have been oppressed and suppressed by the dominant Euro-centric ideology. However, this vibrant rhythm has survived as a form of resistance, thanks to the commitment of the often marginalized communities of paleros in Santo Domingo.
These photographs form part of a larger project in which I embarked upon for a period of over fourteen months in order to document the human experience of underprivileged Dominicans: their pain and struggles as well as their joy and hopes. Each person portrayed in my photographs is an accomplice of the lens shown naturally and unposed in the often unpleasant reality of everyday life. My camera is simply a bridge that brings you closer to them; the rest is in your hands. [End Page 487]
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John Paul Gallagher is a Mexican-American artist, activist, and social worker. His work has been exhibited in Latin America as well as in New York, Los Angeles, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.