Author name: Dante Sisofo

The word “exalt” means to raise in rank, character, or status; to elevate by praise or in estimation. It’s often used to describe lifting someone or something to a higher level of importance or regard. In a religious or spiritual context, “exalt” can also mean to glorify or to praise highly. It can be applied in various contexts, such as exalting a leader, a deity, or principles.

Yesterday, I spent most of the day indoors because of the rain, and decided to use it as an excuse to cull through some of my old photographs, trying to sequence things together to make a book. It’s frustrating to look back at old work because I’m bored of it. Perhaps this a good feeling. This way I can focus on the production of new work and innovate, creating something different.

Ultimately, being inside is such a drudgery for me, whether I’m doing any small tasks on the computer or off-line. Lately I’ve been reading outside in the direct sunlight, while walking, and I find it much more engaging than simply sitting down with your back hunched over with your nose in a book.

I keep noticing this trend towards the “Hoka” shoes, and all of these weird shoes with really thick soles. I see a lot of people limping around wearing these and to be honest they don’t seem comfortable to me at all.

“Deus vult” and “Insha’Allah” share similarities in that both phrases express a submission to the will of God, but they come from very different cultural and religious contexts and have been used in distinct ways.

• “Deus vult” is a Latin phrase meaning “God wills it,” historically associated with the Christian Crusades in the Medieval period. It was used as a rallying cry to motivate and justify the Crusaders’ military campaigns in the Middle East, under the premise that their actions were commanded and sanctioned by God.
• “Insha’Allah” is an Arabic phrase that translates to “If God wills” or “God willing.” It is commonly used in Muslim cultures to express hope for a future event to happen, if it is God’s will. Unlike “Deus vult,” “Insha’Allah” is used in everyday language among Muslims to reflect a general submission to God’s will in all aspects of life, not specifically in the context of military or crusading efforts.

While both phrases acknowledge the supremacy of divine will, “Deus vult” has a historical connotation of divine endorsement for specific action (namely, the Crusades), whereas “Insha’Allah” is a broader, more general expression of faith in God’s will regarding the outcome of future events or actions.

The more you walk the same streets every day, the more you get to know the lay of the land. Understanding the patterns that occur as people converge on street corners, we can conquer the streets with our photography.