Whispers of Serenity: Finding peace through art

Introduction:

Favour Ben is a multifaceted visual artist, and storyteller deeply rooted in rich African culture. With a diverse background spanning filmmaking, producing, and scriptwriting, Favour is driven by a passion for resurrecting the forgotten beauty of African heritage through the lens of art. With a keen eye for detail and a storyteller’s instinct, Favour continues to captivate audiences with her evocative artwork, each piece serving as a testament to the timeless allure of African artistry and the enduring spirit of its people.

Contents

Introduction:Collection Information:Critical Review of the Photograph:Subject and Composition:Background and Setting:Colour and Lighting:Mood and Emotional Impact:Conclusion:

Collection Information:

The collection, titled ‘SERENITY,’ was created amidst the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time marked by widespread suffering and loss. With restrictions limiting physical contact, people yearned for peace and solace, praying for those afflicted by illness and mourning the loss of loved ones. However, just as a sense of calmness began to settle in, recent events, such as the conflicts in Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, and Russia, have shattered this fragile peace.

In reflecting on the world’s current state, the artist draws inspiration from a serene image: a bird perched peacefully on wood, gazing at a tranquil lake. Yet, amidst the calm, the artist questions whether humanity will ever experience such peace again. With hunger, death, panic, and despair plaguing communities, it’s natural to wonder if humanity is losing its way. Through this collection, the artist aims to remind us to find moments of tranquillity amidst the chaos. Amidst the challenges we face, it’s essential to take a moment to breathe and reconnect with ourselves, fostering a sense of peace amid the insanity of the world around us.

Critical Review of the Photograph:

The photograph depicts a white bird, likely a heron or egret, perched on a wooden beam near a body of water. This image evokes a sense of serenity and tranquility through various compositional elements and the subject matter itself.

Subject and Composition:

The bird stands gracefully on the beam, appearing calm and undisturbed by its surroundings. Its white feathers contrast beautifully with the muted, earthy tones of the background and the wooden beam. This contrast not only highlights the bird as the focal point but also enhances the serene atmosphere by drawing attention to the delicate and peaceful nature of the bird.

Background and Setting:

The blurred background, consisting of greenery and water, adds depth to the image while maintaining focus on the bird. The calm water, with its gentle ripples, further contributes to the overall peaceful ambiance. The use of a shallow depth of field effectively isolates the subject from potential distractions, reinforcing a sense of calm and simplicity.

Colour and Lighting:

The soft, natural lighting casts a gentle glow on the bird, accentuating its form without creating harsh shadows. The overall color palette is subdued, with greens and browns dominating the scene. This choice of colors, along with the soft lighting, enhances the tranquil and serene mood of the photograph.

Mood and Emotional Impact:

The serene pose of the bird, coupled with the calm environment, evokes feelings of peace and stillness. The image invites viewers to pause and appreciate the quiet beauty of nature, encouraging a moment of reflection and calmness. The simplicity and elegance of the scene suggest a sense of harmony and balance, which is often associated with serenity.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this photograph successfully captures and conveys a sense of serenity through its subject matter, composition, and use of color and lighting. The peaceful demeanor of the bird, combined with the tranquil setting, creates an image that is both calming and visually pleasing. It serves as a reminder of the quiet beauty that can be found in nature and encourages viewers to take a moment to appreciate and embrace serenity in their own lives.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE