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 |