This image shows a bench within the shade of a big, sprawling leafy tree. Its significance lies in that it shows how the urban, modern landscape can be subtly merged with nature in the Gardens. While the bench is man-made, it still blends in well with its surroundings, as it is made from wood, a direct product of trees. There is harmony and balance between the tree and the bench; earthy colours and a shady, murky setting enhances the natural beauty of the environment.
There are no jarring, sudden objects, and even the position of the bench within the tree’s shade allows for a feeling of peace and harmony. The tree also invokes a sense of “protection”; its branches and leaves stretch out and almost encloses the bench, further incorporating it into the environment. Altogether, this picture shows that while the world is changing, and societies are getting more urbanised, nature still plays a part in it – it is possible that the two contrasting sides can be balanced and subtly harmonized, as shown in this picture.
Picture 2: Flowering shrubs by a road
This picture shows flowering shrubs near the Swan Lake, right next to a road. This sharply highlights the contrast between nature and the urban landscape right next to it. For instance, the vibrant, colourful life the vivid flowers and lurid green leaves present do not tally with the grey, lifeless tarmac road. While the flowers and leaves are attractive, the path next to it dampens it.
In the distance, the image gets darker, but the contrast is still evident – the woody trees do not harmonise with the dull road. While nature is still flourishing and vibrant – as can be seen from the flowers and leaves – there is a stark contrast and disharmony between nature and the urban landscape (road). However, I feel that while this is so today, it is not terribly difficult to try and lessen the contrast between the two. For example, it is possible to replace the tarmac with more earthy materials. For instance, an example can be seen below, where wood is used to create a path.
Picture 3: Streetlamp next to a tree
This picture shows a streetlamp beneath a large tree, with sunshine showing through cracks between the leaves and branches of the tree. There is an obvious disharmony between the streetlamp and the tree – the lush green and harsh black do not harmonize. The vividness and ‘life’ the tree presents (as it is a living, breathing organism) do not gel with the cold, lifelessness of the streetlamp. Thus, it is obvious that this image’s significance is that there is a certain conflict between nature and the urban landscape (in this case, the streetlamp).
The physical composition of the photo and lighting further emphasizes this point – the streetlamp is closely placed next to the tree, and the murkiness of the picture enhances the beauty of nature, and these two factors thus makes the contrast between the two more obvious. Clearly, in this image, there is disharmony and urban society and nature do not go nicely together.
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Done by Shirleen Low, 2E06
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