Hong Chengfeng 2E/06

PICTURE 1
This is an image of a plant, extending one of its branches through this wooden fence. There is also a distinct spider web constructed on the branch itself. The whole idea about the extending branch suggests that nature still has the power to triumph over the growing constraints caused by artificial blockages, despite the purpose of fences – to keep things within or without. Besides this primary achievement, the branch becomes increasingly able as not only is it capable of the breakthrough, it also serves as a home for the lucky spider. This can advocate and emphasise nature’s superiority over man’s doings, as even as a seemingly insignificant and independent branch, it still supports another level of life. It becomes a generous medium that sustains the vulnerable edifice of spider webs.

In spite of man-made obstacles such as the fence, nothing stops the plant in its growing outreach in exploration. Its competence in providing a living space for the spider after escaping its space limitations outweighs Man’s initial notion of hampering its very growth, such that one restriction inspires double defence. This can mean that nature’s progress cannot be stopped in any form by Man, and if provoked, it would take on dual attacks.

PICTURE 2
This is a picture of a man-made pond, taken at the commercialised areas within Singapore Botanical Gardens. Apparently, there happens to be two banana shrubs growing in the heart of the pond, so effectively, what was initially meant to be a stand-alone pond has now been disrupted by nature. She has overcome Man’s intentions of recreating a natural space by actually being in it. It is ironic that such disjuncture can still be deemed as harmony, in the sense that the overall physical and colour compositions in the scope match comfortably. One looks at the picture and assumes that everything from the palm trees, banana shrubs and the pond are natural elements on their own, which is evidently true. Also, apart from the little sand shore, everything is in shades of green, contributing to much concord between nature’s intentions and Man’s intentions.

Theoretically, banana shrubs are biologically incapable of growing in a water-submerged environment. Nevertheless, seeing the ‘impossible’ undeniably contributes to nature’s triumph over Man’s intentions and expectations.

PICTURE 3
The final picture involves an artificial construction that puts nature to good use; such that creepers are grown atop brick supports to form a shelter for Man. Shelters are places of protection and security when it comes to agitated weather like rain or the scorching sun. From what is witnessed, nature has dual sides. What is interesting is that nature can shield Man like mother to child, from its other half – the destructive half. Therefore it is always pleasant to acknowledge the fact that Man can connect in harmony with the ‘friendly’ side of nature.

Such togetherness can be seen as well when the physical composition of the shelter is looked upon. The shelter is in fact made up of artificial and natural elements, like the brick foundations and the creepers respectively. The sturdiness of the shelter can further strengthen the harmony that Man and nature share. In addition to that strength, Man and nature combined are also capable of producing a place of solace and relief for all.

Hong Chengfeng 2E/06