The Affect of Corcovado

As Corcovado hovers over the city– often ephemeral, sometimes brutal, but always emotive– it is tempting to start to dissect its powerful quality to amaze/enchant/scare each viewer. Is this awe-inspiring affect (whether “good” or “bad”) achieved by shear scale, materiality and weight? or does it have to do with symbolism– the often ingrained image spiraling over our heads? [which many are used to, if Christian, the crucifix or cross is hung over you in most traditional churches]

I would like to think it is a little of both, but begin to wonder, if there was a concrete block of the same size, teetering on the same mountain, I think I would still be awe-struck glancing over my shoulder at various times of day to see how the clouds are embracing it, what shadow its casting, and whether it still is occupying its perch on the hill.

Thus I wonder if the affect is not achieved through the delineation of Jesus’ robes, each finger sculpted carefully in his outstretched hands– the awe-inspiring affect may be achieved by the awe-inspiring shear human effort and  commitment/dedication/technical achievement to perch something of that size, that materiality, on that hill.