23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
The Dwelling

This photograph captures a traditional Chinese residence using a minimalist approach. The simple white walls, undulating eaves, and delicate window patterns collectively create a space of quiet poeticism. The lines of the architecture are like the brushstrokes of an ink wash painting, while the expansive white walls serve as negative space, offering a tranquil sanctuary for the mind. The piece cleverly juxtaposes the static, physical structure of the dwelling with the dynamic, flowing sky, which was created in post-production to evoke a sense of time passing. This blend of the real and the imagined not only creates a powerful visual contrast but also adds a deeper philosophical layer. It invites the viewer to look beyond the architecture itself and contemplate the introspection and serenity rooted in Eastern aesthetics, seeking a spiritual home between the stillness of "the dwelling" and the movement of "the heavens."

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Shanghai, China
Camera: GFX50S II
Copyright: © Jian Wang