Birds On the Broadway

This work, as the final chapter of the third part of ‘Wildest Dreams’ (a series of photographs), is a perfect embodiment of inner peace that the author has found in his creation and life. ‘Wildest Dreams’, by capturing the ordinary or special pictures of life, echoes the resilience of a soul determined to preserve its essence, inviting viewers into the intimate journey of finding one’s way amidst life’s challenges. As the end of the series, ‘Birds on Broadway’ suggests that the author has gradually returned to inner peace after experiencing the chaos and frenzies in the first two parts, and begun to live and create works with ease. This work, taken on the busy jewelry street in Broadway at the very center of Los Angeles, showcases tranquility, calmness and relief instead, symbolizing a moment of peace or a new way out that the author has found after long-time struggle with reality. The white space on the right forms a sharp contrast to the heavy building on the left, while the lines of the building and the tracks of the birds become a dynamic visual guidance, looking as if the large group of birds were escaping from the building. This leads viewers’ gaze wander over the picture and fly to the sky, representing liberation and freedom. The utilization of certain black and white film primarily accentuates contrast, with the photograph as a whole emphasizing a light and airy style. The post-processing for the work only adjusts the contrast ratio, and uses cool tones, further creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.