Photography Poem is a project deeply rooted in romantic sensibility, weaving together the ethereal nature of poetry with the tangible reality of photographic imagery. Through this fusion, the emotions and thoughts conveyed by written verse become more concrete and accessible, whilst the visual medium provides rich material for the imagination, allowing readers to forge deeper connections with the poetic experience. The powerful and authentic concepts embedded within the photographic work find clearer expression through the guidance of poetic language, creating bridges of understanding that enable viewers to more directly encounter the essence of each image. Poetry illuminates the core of the photograph, whilst the photograph gives form to the abstract beauty of verse. The union between poetry and photography enhances rather than constrains creative expression. Whilst these paired media make the work more accessible to both readers and viewers, they preserve ample space for personal interpretation and imaginative exploration.
Photography Poem: Hibiscus on the Water
The lotus,
with wonderful colour and fragrance,
crosses the ocean,
to meet you.
- Benjamin J. Cheng
The colour palette of this photography poem was inspired by the 1930s Republic of China fashion posters. The composition is inspired by the Gongbi style, a careful realist technique in Chinese painting, which is opposite to the interpretive sketching thoughts style. In Traditional Chinese poetry, the lotus was named the Hibiscus on the Water, hence, the name of this photography poem. The lotus was recognised as a symbol related to clean, cold, and noble. Therefore, this series of photographs are all in cold tones and have a clean outline.
Photographer & Artist: Benjamin J. Cheng