swan 2017

Chaokun Wang's 'Swan' presents us with a study in monochrome. The shapes of the swans create a repetitive visual rhythm across the composition. The undulating water forms a sharp contrast with the smooth, curved necks of the swans. Light and shadow play across the scene, and texture is emphasized. The swans are a study in contrasts – their necks are vertical and straight, yet they are set in opposition to their voluminous, horizontal bodies. The stark blacks and whites lend a timeless quality, evoking the tradition of classical photography. The composition, while seemingly simple, is carefully constructed, encouraging us to contemplate the relationship between natural forms and their representation in art. In this work, the visual impact comes not just from what is depicted but how the artist plays with tonal range.