We’re in Guatapé, Colombia, and this photo could be called «Gouachetapé». In fact, this is the only photo I’ve retouched to give it that painterly effect and to bring out the special atmosphere I feel in this image. It emphasizes the drapery on the man’s back and the mystery he exudes. These two men are part of the staff at the Piedra del Peñol or Peñon de Guatape tourist site. It is a 220-meter-high monolith that stands in the middle of the canals that form around the lake at its feet, offering magnificent views. As the two communities fight over the ownership of the stone and its tourist benefits, the site has two different names: “Piedra del Peñol” for El Peñol and “Peñon de Guatapé” for Guatapé!
I couldn’t understand why there were two letters written on the stone block, big and visible from a distance: «GI», which reminded me of the «GI» of the American soldiers… It’s nothing but the beginning of Guatapé! The appropriation attempt was stopped by the people of Peñol before the others could finish writing the letter U.