The image above shows the sculpture of a lady, mounted on a swing with a carefree look on her countenance. This sculpture was intended create a sense of freedom in movement to its onlookers. It is amidst plants of different shades, together with a small group of wild flowers growing in an unorganized and untidy fashion. The sculpture does not seem to blend in with the plants in the background. The poised composure of the lady and her perfected smile are unable to connect with the unruly manner the plants in the background are positioned. The visual effects of the sculpture and its background are in stark contrast from each other. The image shows the characteristics of both nature and an urban landscape. The sculpture shows man-made structures being deliberate in all aspects - be it in their organization or colour composition. The sculpture is appropriately coloured in different shades of grey, while the posture and countenance of the lady is obviously intended to bring out a certain effect. Nature on the other hand, appears to be accidental and as a result, unique. The different shades of the plants and the organization of the plants are abrupt. The plants are not arranged in any fashion to convey a specific message, unlike how the sculpture is sculpted. Also, the image shows the disjuncture of nature and man, as how it is with the sculpture and its natural background. Man’s union with nature has been broken, and the differences between the sculpture and the plants in the background not being able to reconcile shows that man is unable to change himself to adapt to the characteristics of nature.
276 words
The image shows a pavilion in the middle of a seemingly natural landscape. However, the properly trimmed bushes and grass that surround the pavilion, together with the spaced out trees all signify the intervention of man in the originally natural landscape. As a result, the pavilion and its natural surroundings appear in harmony with each other. The white and brown combination of the pavilion blends in with the greenery around it. The image shows how man has changed nature to suit his characteristics, as can be seen from the organized fashion of the trees and the neat arrangement of the bushes. It has become a man-made garden. In our world today, many countries have converted some parts of their land to nature reserves to preserve certain plants and other living things. However, with many of these reserves being opened for public exploration, it is impossible to keep nature in its original form. All the areas have to be modified and ‘perfected’ by human standards to a certain extent. The image is thus an example of nature having been ‘perfected’ to suit the characteristics of man. It shows how man has manipulated nature in our current society.
196 words
The picture above shows concrete steps and pathways amidst wild plants growing in an unruly fashion. The first series of steps leads to an opening in the group of plants. There is a wound bar at the opening, probably intended to stop the plants from growing in a manner that blocks the opening. The building of the concrete steps and pathway that lead to a forest-like area shows man’s desire to explore nature. The bar that hinders the plants from growing into the opening shows how man attempts to tame nature enough to allow him to safely venture into nature. Nature on the other hand, shows her refusal to submit. The bar is barely an obstacle to the plants, as some are already growing into the opening. This shows how it is almost impossible for man to tame nature completely, and that some of his attempts may prove to be futile. In our world today, man is constantly trying to explore and discover new aspects of nature. Most embark on this journey hoping to tame nature, and thus make the latter his own.
183 words
Angeline Chua 2E/06
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