The kingdom of flies | A Visual from João Coelho

The image’s central figure, this lone man, seems dwarfed by his surroundings, not by towering buildings or natural landscapes, but by waste and desolation. Coelho subtly invokes the idea of the man as an intruder or a trespasser in the flies’ domain. The flies are both indifferent and omnipresent, swarming around with a persistence that suggests their dominion over this land of refuse. In a way, it’s a kingdom they rule by sheer numbers and omnipresence, and the man seems like a reluctant visitor, intruding on their territory.

This comparison brings about a fascinating reflection on survival and hierarchy. For the flies, this refuse is life, a paradise of opportunity. For the man, it’s a means of survival, though he stands as a trespasser in a space the flies control. The symbolism here is rich: he could be a giant among these insects, yet he is powerless against them, reduced to sharing their kingdom in silence.

The photograph doesn’t ask the viewer to pity or condemn the man; rather, it urges one to reflect on the stark reality some face, living within invisible borders where privilege and struggle coexist but rarely interact. There’s an undercurrent of isolation here too, as the man exists within a world that most others do not see and cannot understand. The kingdom of flies subtly suggests that societies are often structured in ways that allow some to remain oblivious to the harsh realities of others.

The photograph’s power lies in its ambiguity. While one person might interpret the image as a scene of humanity encroaching upon nature’s territory, another might see it as a stark commentary on poverty and survival. The image invites these multiple interpretations, engaging the viewer’s imagination and emotions, encouraging humanity to look closer and question their assumptions.

The kingdom of flies is a haunting portrait of resilience, a reminder of life’s hierarchy, and a visual ode to survival against the odds. The man, though dwarfed and surrounded by refuse and swarming flies, does what he must to endure, embodying a spirit of quiet tenacity in a world that feels both foreign and achingly familiar.