Beijing in a Window Frame by Wenlan Chang

Artwork Title: Beijing in a Window Frame Media: Digital

Intentions:

This digital artwork is a literal yet abstracted depiction of what I can see from outside my window. I first turned an original photo of this view into a partially pixelated image, providing a sense of confusion and perplexity within the city of Beijing. This creates a feeling of everything being sped up so fast in pace to the point where it is almost no longer perceivable. The whole entire image has also been brushed over with a sandy, misty layer to bring attention to the pollution and sandstorms in Beijing. Yet at the same time, the exotically coloured rising polluted smoke is symbolic of how actually over-exaggerated China’s pollution sometimes is, talked about by others in such a way that even to locals it appears extraordinary. Finally, the few small and randomly placed sections of realism and soft pastel coloured pixels symbolise how there are still intricate details to be found within such a busy and hectic city. This contrast between pixelation and clarity, as well as the overall unusual colour combinations of this artwork convey how as a local citizen of Beijing, I am sometimes still unable to follow and keep up with its fast moving pace and endless phenomenons, overall reflecting the busyness and dynamic qualities of the city outside.