Loo Sze Ying Serene 2A/06

This image depicts an impressive fountain in the Botanical Gardens. In the foreground, we can capture the movement of running water. In the background, green elements of Nature are being added amidst the water elements to add a touch of Nature onto the man-made water fountain. The image is well-lit and the light source comes from the top right hand side of the image. The lighting effectively captures the movement of running water and enhances its glassiness. The lighting is ideal to portray the feeling as if we are actually present in the scene and listening the calm rhythmic movement of water. The movement of running water and the ‘untamed’ growing of trees and plants show a sense of life and vibrancy.

It is rather significant as it cleverly portrays how Man tries to use natural elements to beautify man-made structures, like how Man uses greenery to beautify the fountain. This shows harmony of colours like green, murky green and grey in the image. It also portrays an interrelationship between Man and Nature as shown in how Man attempts to make use of a man-made fountain to enhance the beauty of Nature. There are four layers of background in the image and they are in the order of man-made, natural, man-made and natural. This shows interaction and harmony between Man and Nature as they serve to enhance the beauty of each other. There is a certain rhythm expressed in this image which reminds people of the sound of dripping water.

This image portrays the interrelationship between Man and Nature in modern society. Mother Nature replenishes elements of Nature through natural processes like reproduction once natural resources are running out. Industries depending on plant products to earn profits also benefit from this. We can thus see how Mother Nature has tried her best to help her children. In turn, Man has realized the importance of preserving Nature and there have been initiatives to protect Mother Nature from harm. Organizations such as Greenpeace have been trying their best to reduce harm done to Mother Nature through various initiatives like public education and powerful negotiations. More natural reserves have been built in hope that they will serve as public education regarding the importance of protecting Nature and appreciating the beauty of Nature. Thus we can see that actions by both Man and Nature can be aimed to help each other.

This image is regarding some primary school children in the midst of learning more about Nature. The colour composition is rather different from the previous one due to the insertion of contrasting colours. Bright lights commonly seen in modern landscapes make the scene feels bizarre. Also, there is a general absence of greenery which is replaced by grey pavement. The main focus falls on the children and the grey pavement as the light source is overhead and light reflects off the pavement, distracting the attention placed on the tree.

This image is significant because: firstly, the unnatural growing of natural elements in a place where such elements are supposed to be preserved; secondly there is a portrayal of Man trying to draw level with Nature. The tree in the image is grown unnaturally on raised platforms and confined like potted plants. This gives an impression of Man attempting to restrict the growth of Nature as shown in the many cases of deforestation around the world today. Elements of nature are no longer allowed to grow freely in the urban society due to the need for usable land. The tree is not allowed to spread its roots freely and is restricted to a limited amount of space. The rest of the land is used for pavements and convenience of Man.

Secondly, the scene of children trying to draw level with the tree reminds of Man attempting to draw level with Nature and conquer it. As from the image, the children are much shorter as compared to the tree, just like how minor Man is as compared to Nature. Man’s numerous attempts to conquer Nature might result in dire consequences, like how the roots of the tree might push against the barriers so much that they destroy the barriers.

This image shows a lawn mower by the pathway. The colour composition of this image is simple. However, the black of the lawn mower shows a very strong colour contrast as compared to the grass in the background. It does not really blend into its surroundings. The lighting seems dim in the foreground but bright in the background. There is a high possibility that the pathway is being overshadowed by tall trees whereas the sunlight shines on the green grass directly. This seems to portray Nature in a positive limelight whereas creations of Man are portrayed in a negative limelight.

The significance of this image is that the placing of a lawn mower over grass seems to portray conquer of Nature by a human invention. It shows a form of human superiority over Nature which is momentary. After the lawn mower cuts off the excess part of the grass, as time passes by, the grass grows longer again. This symbolizes the ability of Nature to undergo rebirth even though some elements of it is being destroyed. Also, ironically, Nature provides the resources for the lawn mower to run over its natural elements. This can be seen in modern society today. The exploitation of natural resources by Man has resulted in huge profits generated but also side effects such as pollution and global warming. Although currently we seem to have ‘conquered’ Nature using technology, it is slowly getting back at us through phenomena such as pollution and global warming. One day when effects of such phenomena are too drastic for Man to take, Man might die out forever.

Loo Sze Ying Serene
TA2A06