Lee Kai Yin 2E/06

Picture 1
This picture shows a refreshment stall amongst the lush vegetation in the Botanical Gardens. The refreshment stall shows that Man has enough technology to exploit and destroy nature, but has chosen to complement nature by making use of wood and materials with matching tones (with the exception of the display screens). It creates a very cosy setting for the stall, as if Nature was protecting it all around. It shows significance as Man has shown interest on the concept of Nature around it, instead of creating a purely urban setting. In a way, it encourages Man to explore nature, and this stall allows Man to rest, and has refreshments while enjoying the view of nature around them. It is however for recreational purposes only. Nature, while being able to complement the theme of Man’s projects, is only used for recreational purposes and its standing in a urban society is not one of economic prosperity but rather, for fun. It shows that Man still has the upper hand in being able to control Nature to its liking, whether it is to destroy it, or to complement it. However, whatever is done is still to Man’s advantage.
Picture 2

This picture shows a few bags of soil material being left in a small section of the shallow parts of the pond. The colour of the water looks murky, giving the entire picture a very sloppy outlook. The bags stand out from the plants and rocks, representing the irresponsibility of Man in exploiting nature. These bags might have been some part of Man’s project that had to do with nature, but after the project was completed or abandoned, Man did not bother to clean up and left unwanted things around. The water seemed very dirty and might have been caused by these bags, and is hence a source of pollution. This kind of situation can be seen in events like logging, where Man cuts down trees to get sufficient materials for their industrial projects. However after logging, most companies do not bother to replant the trees so that the land is not wasted, and shows how they do not “clean up their act”. Nature is being taken for granted, and Man is exploiting this resource with no consideration of attempting to “repair” nature or to return it as it was after they have made use of it. It thus highlights the irresponsibility of Man and how they did not consider Nature’s situation, on how it might eventually be destroyed. It shows that while Nature is being mistreated, she cannot do anything about it and can only suffer the immediate consequences.

Picture 3
This is a picture of the pond, plants and flowers surrounding a section of the bridge in the Botanical Gardens. It gives a very Impressionistic feel, with the bright colours of the flowers and the general bright and clear lighting. It gives out an idea that it is a very comfortable place to be. The picture shows how Nature and Man’s technology has blended together and complements each other. Technology has allowed Nature to be more accessible to Man, and as Man is now less likely to take a walk in the wild, creating bridges and boardwalks will encourage Man to enjoy and view nature without having to be dirty and sweaty. The wooden bridge also makes the setting more natural, and one is able to appreciate the beauty of nature easily, through man-made bridges. As the plants on the left side of the picture are probably manicured, it shows that Man sees Nature in an aesthetic appeal, in a form of art perhaps. It shows that Nature is not an important aspect in urban society, but only as a supplement.


Lee Kai Yin
2E/06