tree 2019

Chaokun Wang made this photograph of a tree. The tree is a cultural symbol of strength, wisdom, and longevity, but here we see a dead tree, still standing, a visual paradox that opens up interesting ideas. The high contrast and starkness of the black and white medium emphasizes the harshness of the natural world and the realities of life. The gnarled branches and twisted trunk create a sense of struggle and resilience, while the surrounding foliage hints at the ongoing cycle of life and death, making it a memento mori. When looking at art, we look at the image, but also consider where it was made, what were the social conditions that shaped its production, and its place in the history of art institutions. Only with this kind of research can we fully understand and appreciate its meaning.