What Does Azul Actually Mean?
The term Azul refers to the Spanish word for blue. It is the name given to a 2017 underwater photograph of a shark taken by conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier in Jardines de la Reina, Cuba.
The image is a photograph of a silhouette of a shark that is swimming underwater in deep blue waters. It was captured and posted by Hilton Contemporary, who markets the piece as an original work of the photographer.
Why Did Cristina Mittermeier Call It Azul?
The reason why Mittermeier came up with the title Azul is because she states so in her article, ‘Mastering the Art of Monochrome’ where she explains how the image depends on color. In the article, she says, “I even named it for its blue color: Azul.” Therefore, the name was not intended to have a different meaning other than simply referring to the blue of the photograph.
What Is Shown in the Photograph?
In the photograph named Azul , the subject seen is a shark that is shown as a silhouette against the deep blue water. Mittermeier’s caption highlights the importance of realizing that while the shark is a silhouette, it is still a powerful creature that moves with ease in the water.
She also refers to the fact that the image is a reminder of the little that people know about the deep sea world and what it is like. This is not an image that is about uncovering a mystery, but instead it is one that serves as a teaser of the unknown world under the oceans based on what Mittermeier has explained about the image.
Who Is Cristina Mittermeier?
Cristina Goettsch Mittermeier is a conservation photographer and professional diver whose work focuses on marine ecology. From her biography on her website, she studied Biochemical Engineering in Marine Sciences at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico.
She further adds that she founded the International League of Conservation Photographers in 2005 and with Paul Nicklen, she started SeaLegacy in 2014. Mittermeier’s work involves using photography and filmmaking to promote engagement and connection to the wilder parts of the world while also showing the reasons why these regions need to be conserved.