A Splash of Color From The East ~ by Andres G. Guzman

Photographer Akshat Nauriyal captured a balanced urban image saturated in blues and reds. A subdued orange both compliments and contrasts the other colors. Strong lines define what appears to be text behind the motorcycle. These lines provide an ordered yet undefined rhythm. Taken in India, the photograph welcomes a vibrant palette and foreshadows the rich colors of a hyperrealistic Asia.

Pakistani fashion projects rich colors. In this piece, two women appear to hang garments on parallel clotheslines that horizontally fill the frame. The rectangular shapes of the hanging clothes form a pattern. The saturated colors contrast between individual pieces while maintaining unity of concept: preparing clothing items. A punch of color exponentially enhances the senses and builds on the “more-than-real” theme.

Velvety pinks and highlighter yellows set the tone for the lounge prepared by Jeonghwa Choi. A row of low coffee tables in alternating colors establish a vanishing point and add depth to the space. Additionally, the brown steps leading upstairs compliment this otherwise two-dimensional image. The piece underscores that colorful tones are not only meant for exteriors. Powerful colors can still contribute to a hyperrealistic spectrum even indoors.

This is another representative work by Jeonghwa Choi. The roofless structure is built on plastic and infused in a seamless saturated red. In fact, even the flooring’s hue is a complimentary shade of red. The color adds unity to the vertical walls. Additionally, the red is so rich in this piece that it becomes the focus of the art.

Continuing with the scarlet hues, this piece comes from the Philippines. The focus of the photograph rests on the left side of the image. Unity of color value is observed while diagonal lines guide the viewer from the top left to the center right disappearing into a vanishing point. The latter visual cue adds depth and space to the photo. The theme of rich colors found throughout Asia continues.

Two triangular structures, equal in height and similar in shape, form this outdoor piece. The red-violet structure to the left reminds us of the pieces we have seen thus far while its yellow-green counterpart foreshadows what is to come in this hyperrealistic theme. Neither color is typically found in nature yet the artist places his work right in the middle of it.

A pattern of green plastic semicircles form walls erected in this open-air artwork. A pronounced green provides unity throughout while diagonal lines delineate a vanishing point towards the back wall. The contrasting red structure seen in the background serves as a reminder of previous works in this themed gallery.

Unity of color can also be appreciated in this photograph from Pakistan. A woman wears a turquoise garment while holding a copper cooking utensil. Her wrinkled hands provide a sense of texture and pop in a contrasting orange against the color of her clothing. At first glance, the focus appears to be the metal tool she is holding; however, upon further inspection, it is the woman’s left hand that the eye gravitates towards. Contrasting colors are often used to infuse hyperrealism into images, particularly in cinema.

This image depicts the shadows of a mountain almost engulfing a fishing boat on a lake. The focus of the image is the watercraft at the center. Its small size gives a sense of the space surrounding it. A vibrant teal dominates two thirds of the photo accompanied by a darker shade of itself in the right portion of the image. Dark teal is often used cinematographically in shadows. This tone compliments skin colors very well. Soak in the rich hues before culminating with its counterpoint in the color wheel.

Rich orange arches lead to a vanishing point at the center of the frame; the piece’s focus. The arches and columns set up a pattern lining up a hallway that does not seem to end. The different shades of the same color add a sense of unity. The bright hues invite cheerfulness and represent an exclamation point culminating this themed series. Even in a cold winter day, one can almost embrace the warm sunlight depicted here.