23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Prayer Beads

Artist's Statement: The sight of Jing'an Temple entwined with city traffic is a common one, so I chose a new way to reinterpret it. Instead of the traditional long exposure, I let the headlights of the cars waiting in line lose their focus, turning into glowing orbs of light. Like a string of prayer beads, they seem to flow gently from the temple's quiet sanctuary, extending slowly towards us. This is a conversation between "stillness" and "movement," between "transcendence" and "worldly engagement." In the midst of urban clamor, I've captured a sense of serenity and spirituality hidden beneath the surface. It’s not an opposition to the bustling world, but a unique, gentle intersection and coexistence with it.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Shanghai, China
Camera: NIKON Z 7_2
Copyright: © Jian Wang