Visual

This image is, in many ways, a study in simplicity—yet one that rewards a longer look. What appears at first as a mere grid of evenly spaced horizontal lines soon reveals itself as a layered surface, a play between the tangible and the abstract. The photograph offers no obvious focal point; instead, the viewer’s attention is pulled rhythmically from edge to edge, caught in the hypnotic repetition of the slats.

I composed the shot to be almost perfectly symmetrical, letting the central vertical seam anchor the frame. That symmetry is key—it provides a sense of stability amidst the visual vibration created by the parallel lines. There’s a slight tonal gradation from top to bottom, subtle enough to keep the image from feeling flat. The faint marks, scratches, and shadowed forms behind the slats add a whisper of narrative—something is there, but withheld.

Technically, the exposure needed to walk a fine line. Too much contrast, and the rhythm of the lines would become harsh, overpowering any nuance. Too little, and the image would drift into a featureless monotony. Here, the midtones are gently held, giving enough separation between the white slats and the background without losing the texture of the underlying surface.

There’s no grand statement here, no decisive moment—just the quiet satisfaction of turning an ordinary structure into an optical puzzle. Sometimes, the simplest elements, stripped of context, are enough to engage the eye purely for the sake of seeing.