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Reflections and Power at the Coastline




Today, I’m thrilled to share three of my recent black-and-white photography works, all captured along the rugged coastline that has long inspired my artistic journey. Each photograph tells a unique story, showcasing the interplay between nature and human intervention, with man-made structures set against the raw beauty and power of the sea. Through these images, I hope to evoke contemplation, awe, and respect for our coastal environments.



 

First Work: A Dialogue Between Concrete and Pebbles



The first photograph transports viewers into a scene imbued with stillness and solitude. In the foreground, massive concrete blocks—possibly remnants of a breakwater or coastal defense system—dominate the frame. Their surfaces are rough and textured, weathered by the elements, standing like silent sentinels against the forces of nature. Scattered among them are smooth pebbles of varying sizes, these natural elements creating a striking contrast with the geometric shapes of the concrete.


The black-and-white filter enhances the timeless quality of the scene, with sunlight casting strong shadows that highlight the texture and form of the concrete. The sky in the background transitions from light to dark, suggesting the light of either dawn or dusk. The atmosphere of this photograph carries a hint of melancholy, prompting reflection on the passage of time and the fragility of man-made structures in the face of nature’s persistence.



 

The Clash of Waves and Tetrapods



The second photograph captures a dramatic collision between the sea and human engineering. In the foreground, large concrete tetrapods—structures designed to prevent coastal erosion—are tightly arranged, their surfaces rough yet bearing an organic texture. Waves crash against these structures, sending splashes and foam into the air, as if time has been frozen in this moment, revealing the boundless energy of the ocean.


In the background, the sea stretches to the horizon, shimmering faintly under soft light, while the sky displays a gradient of gray, adding a cinematic quality to the scene. The monochromatic tones emphasize the contrast between the flowing ocean and the solid tetrapods, narrating an eternal struggle between nature and civilization. This work is filled with dynamism, allowing viewers to feel the raw power of nature juxtaposed against human ingenuity.



 


The Quiet Beauty of a Rocky Beach



The final photograph shifts focus to the pure beauty of nature. This is a close-up of a rocky beach, filled with smooth pebbles and boulders of varying sizes, their surfaces polished by years of wave action, revealing natural patterns and textures. A large boulder, slightly off-center in the foreground, stands out as a focal point, contrasting with the smaller stones around it.


Soft, diffused light bathes the scene, creating a serene and minimalist atmosphere without harsh shadows. The background is slightly blurred, hinting at the presence of the horizon and evoking thoughts of the distant ocean. The monochromatic palette complements the texture of the rocks, giving the image a sculptural quality that invites viewers to pause amidst the chaos of life and quietly appreciate the resilience and beauty of the natural world.



 

A Tale of Nature and Human Interplay


These three works together weave a visual narrative about the relationship between humanity and nature. From the contemplative remnants of concrete, to the fierce collision of waves and tetrapods, to the tranquil beauty of a rocky beach, each photograph interprets the allure of the coastline from a different perspective. Through my lens, I hope to inspire viewers to feel the delicate balance between the natural and the man-made, and to reexamine the eternal power and beauty found at the meeting point of land and sea.


Thank you for joining me in appreciating these works, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and reflections!

 
 
 

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© 2021 By NELLA & ALICE, BOXHILL

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