Project Sagrada Familia: new angles

Antoni Gaudi's Basilica de la Sagrada Familia - although still not completed - is already an impressive architectural achievement. This iconic monument in the heart of Barcelona has been photographed by millions of visitors from all kinds of angles. So, I wondered: are there still unique angles or compositions left? It has always been my belief there are new angles and compositions "out there". I took to the internet and googled hundreds of photos of Gaudi's famous basilica to 1) familiarize myself with these known angles and compositions (many of these were shot in symmetrical composition) and 2) to refrain myself from shooting from the same angle or use the same composition. So, in a way Google was my guide to how NOT to shoot the Sagrada.

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Gaudi is known for his organic and free-flowing architectural style. The trees outside the basilica were perfect "organic elements" to fill a large part of the image frame and the main tree functions as a "leading line" to draw the viewer's attention to Gaudi's construction. But wait… the tree itself, its size and silhouette shape, looks quite interesting too. It is as if the tree and Gaudi are competing for attention.

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It was so crowded at this spot (where visitors looked at a model of the Sagrada Familia in a glass box) that I had to shoot this very quickly with my smartphone. Good thing it had a 16mm wide angle lens. The people and the reflections on the glass box gave this photo an interesting "dimension".

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Breaking the rules of symmetry

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Staircases that look like the spiral of a nautilus shell, tight buds of flowers in roof ornamentation, and spider webs, stalactites, honeycombs, starfish, mushrooms, beetle wings… so organic, unique and surreal… so Gaudi!

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Did you see the intestines on the ceiling?

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Love the design of these stained-glass windows

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The late afternoon sunlight gave this statue of Saint George (the patron saint of Catalonia) a warm appearance, the angle of the incoming light gave this statue a stronger three-dimensional look.

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Okay, I did shoot a symmetrical photo… just to show that the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia looks great from any angle!


Chi Hong Solo Exhibition "Ani'motion" opens in Beijing

11 March 2019 - Chi Hong solo exhibition “Ani’motion” opened its doors to the public.

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The opening ceremony took place at 2pm and many guests attended this event. Among the distinguished guests were consul general Fang Hui, renowned contemporary artist Liu Yaming, Xu Xiangyang and photographer Xing Senlin. Celebrated musicians Chang Jing, Aiys Songzhao, Zhangdi and Song Song were also among the guests.

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Director Feng of Beijing Zoo delivered the opening speech, followed by producer and founder of Do Architecture & Art Cheng Dapeng and artist Liu Yaming. Photographer Chi Hong gave an introduction to his work and concluded the first day with a short tour in the exhibition hall of Beijing Zoo’s Lion Tiger Hill.

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Ani’motion is short for animal emotion but the exhibition is not just about animals – it is also about us humans and the resemblances between human emotions and animals emotions.

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By looking at the photographer’s work it seems like each animal wants to tell us something… Each their own story, their own emotion. The photographer’s intention is not only to showcase his work but also to strenghten the bond between humans and animals by showing us how “human” animals are.

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The exhibition Ani’motion will run from March 11th through April 4th at the Lion Tiger Hill Exhibition Hall inside the Beijing Zoo compound. Open from 09:00-17:00.

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