At first glance, this “Colombia is Magical Realism” magazine cover may seem as though it is trying to encourage the reader to visit Colombia, but the meaning is much deeper. This simple scene of workers on a farm is the extent to how some view this picture. There are a few important concepts to keep in mind: the color scheme, the farmers and their placement in the image, the words on the magazine cover, and the fluid nature scene from reality into the coffee mug. Making connections and thinking from the perspectives of the farm workers can provide a better analysis and understanding of the image. 

One of the simplest ways an image can convey its meaning to the audience is by the colors and how they are used. Green, white, and red are the only prevalent colors in the picture. Green represents nature, growth, and life, while white represents purity. These symbolic meanings are what initially attract the viewers to the magazine. Since the image is mostly green, it gives a very earthy tone and allows the viewer to imagine what it would be like to vacation in Colombia. Green represents growth and this could relate to the growth of the coffee beans in the picture. The color green also represents money, and the farming of coffee has benefitted Colombia in a positive way. The white of the mug represents simplicity and purity, meaning that the mug has no further job than to act as that particular object. The red in the image helps the viewer to determine what the plant is and what is so important about the entire farm scene. Coffee beans are what lay inside of the red fruit in the bottom left of the picture. Hints of red are visible throughout the plants on this farm, inferring that it truly is a coffee farm. 

The perspective and placement of the people in this image contribute to the overall message of travelling to Colombia. The dirt path gives a distinct symbol of perception, with the woman very far away. The coffee beans in this scene are being hand-picked. The men are closer up in the picture which infers that they are typically thought about as the men in charge behind the job. The woman is farther away which infers that they are not typically thought about in a working sense. The men both have smiles on their face but the woman is too far away to tell. Not only does this scene allow the viewer to imagine the life of a coffee farmer, but it shows the reality of countries that produce so much for the world. Shown through the smiles of these farmers, they have passion for what they do. It encourages others to look at life the same way and be positive regardless of what their economic standings are. It seems as if the viewer is looking straight down the path in the middle of the coffee field, like the purpose is to engage the audience and make them feel as though they are part of the picture. There is one house in the back right of the image which shows the typical life of a coffee farmer. The sun is shining, inferring that it is the time of day in which most of their work is done. The animal with the male worker in the image is a donkey because donkeys are known for farm work and aiding in weight lifting activities like coffee farming. 

The use of text on the cover of this magazine gives the reader a more concrete view of what ideas were intended through this visual display. The word “magical” represents the seamless continuation of the coffee field into the mug because this image was not completely derived from nature and has been modified to include the mug. By saying “experience the heavenly pleasures,” this magazine is trying to appeal to people and make them visit Colombia. The “coffee culture” was mentioned on this cover, inferring that this image is in fact a coffee farm, showing the work that goes into coffee. There are many jobs that happen behind the scenes to produce good coffee beans although many people don’t see it. Most people don’t think about where coffee comes from, or what it takes to produce coffee beans, especially when drinking it. Coffee is a staple to many people across the world, and many say that their day can’t be started without it. The strategy of this magazine cover attracts people by the subject of coffee, knowing that viewers will be intrigued if they have a love for coffee.

The “magical” movement of the scene from the coffee mug to the real world shows the connections between the coffee farms and the coffee in the mug.  This connection is not always noticed by the outside party. This “magical realism” is the reality of places in Colombia. Coffee is grown in exotic locations, but it is grueling farm work that employs people who are sometimes at or below the poverty level. The ritual of drinking coffee is important and a positive experience for people around the world, but the beans are hand-picked and the process is not glamorous. Coffee farm workers have an intensely laborious role in producing coffee beans for those who can afford them to enjoy. The depiction of people picking coffee beans inside a giant mug could be construed as derogatory, dehumanizing the workers and depicting them as nothing more than the conduit by which “rich” people enjoy this beverage.

The tone of this magazine cover is first introduced by the colors used: green, white, and red. Subsequently, the “magical realism” aspect of the image is noticed, where the naturalistic scene extends into the coffee mug. The farmers and donkey on the cover remind the viewer that coffee picking is hard work and that many people don’t think about this idea when they drink coffee. The words used throughout the magazine cover are helpful in making connections and identifying different ideas throughout the photo. The overall idea of the magazine cover is to invite others to visit Colombia and that is accomplished by natural colors and presenting Colombia in a magical way.