An ode functions through elaborate language to bring attention to a moment or a person glorifying either as a means of not only paying homage, but also as an attempt to immortalize the subject. In Jann Rosen-Queralt’s photographic series: A Sparrow on the Floor of a Cathedral, one can argue that the series stands as an ode to the seabed. Interestingly her series, follows the ideas of the formation of an ode as the series is set into sections, and where they may not be ‘exactly’ what critics would identify as “Strophe, Antistrophe and Epode'' - the captured scenes do turn our direction one way, and another ending in attention and exploration of the world under the sea. Adding to the idea of an ode and beginning this mythic journey Rosen-Queralt invites a sparrow to title this series. This tiny common bird brings many interpretations and associations. Symbolically a sparrow, when connected to the ocean reminds one of its connection to Aphrodite as it is a favorite with the goddess, who emerges from the sea and represents both love and beauty - the sparrow embodies the same. The sparrow also holds the symbol of togetherness and teamwork - making one believe that this is part of what Rosen-Queralt wishes from the viewer - to both respect and through teamwork repair what has been damaged, and destroyed.
By referring to the ocean as ‘a cathedral’ a symbol laden with intention, rules, pageantry and more, she welcomes those associations and behavioral mores into our interaction with world below our view. In so doing, one question arises: “why are man-made structures more respected than Nature?” It is an interesting question and part of the antistrophe of the series - if one venerates cathedrals, homes of worship - how is what comes from all Creation Myths so very unimportant and sacrificed daily to ‘money-changers in the Temple?”
There is another aspect to this series, and is found in their surface likeness to topographic masses very similar to mountainous regions, often the result of dried up seas, rivers, etc. This aspect serves as the Epode, or even the lesson. By exploring the three sections: The Myth, Humankind’s interaction (in this case- disrespect) we are left with the threat, warning that if we do not become like the sparrow, if we do not recognize nature as a cathedral, if we place the material over existence - we may be left with a particularly vacant cathedral. We cannot ‘replant’ a sea, an ocean - when it is gone, it is gone.
Statement by Melanie Prapopoulos
