This artwork, as I have presented it, depicts a serene natural, local landscape, richly textured, matching organic beauty with abstract elements in a unique and intriguing composition. My choice to focus on reeds in a marshland combined with a mosaic-like sky creates a compelling balance, grounding this piece in reality while inviting one into a more whimsical, imaginative realm comparable to much of my work.
The central positioning of the birds is a coup, with the vivid red markings on the wings of the foreground bird drawing immediate attention. This use of color not only adds a striking focal point but also creates an emotional connection, suggesting vitality and life within the tranquil setting. The more distant bird, perched subtly behind, adds depth to the piece and encourages the eye to explore beyond the immediate foreground.
The mosaic sky is indeed a standout feature, with its broken-tile effect in shades of blue and beige offering a refreshing departure from traditional landscape skies. This was prompted by my love of mosaic pools seen at the ruins of Sabratha and Lleptis Magna, just outside of Tripoli, Libya, where I lived around age ten. This geometric backdrop contrasts beautifully with the organic shapes of the reeds and birds, evoking a sense of harmony between structured abstraction and natural fluidity.
One of the strengths of the piece is the way the geometric and natural forms complement rather than compete with each other. This delicate balance showcases my fusion of divergent elements into a cohesive whole, the resulting atmosphere serene, and vibrant, providing a sensory experience that invites contemplation and peaceful reflection.
What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
One of the features of the piece is the way the geometric and natural forms cajole rather than compete with each other. The other is the sense of the otherworld(s), a surreality.
If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?
It would be labor intensive, but, to see the image printed on actual tiles on a wall would be the endgame.
Alun Wyld shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Alun Wyld, Novato, CA, USA
Equipment and settings
Leica M240 w/35mm Summicron
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