Monks Chanting in Reggio Emilia Square

Rows of monks sit cross-legged on the damp pavement of a public square in Reggio Emilia, their saffron robes absorbing the heavy moisture of the monsoon. Overcast skies cast a flat, deep blue light that mingles with the warm, yellow glow of overhead string lights. Rain beads on the textured fabric of their garments and creates small, dark pools on the stone ground. The figures form a tight cluster in the center, surrounded by vast negative space that emphasizes the quiet gathering against the grey backdrop. Wet stone reflects the scattered bulb lights, creating elongated streaks of amber across the grey surface. One thread of water drips from the hem of a robe onto the wet pavement below.