PERSPECTIVE VOL. 1

Perspective Vol. 1 is a collection of photographs that can only be described as otherworldly. Centered around the theme of nature, each image captures plants from a unique point of view that our eyes might not typically wander to. Through my lens, I aim to capture the intricate details and textures of these distinctive plants and offer a glimpse into a realm that is both familiar and mysterious. Slowly drawing the viewer in, I seek to evoke emotions and thoughts that remind people the significance of paying closer attention to our beautiful surroundings.

ART COLLECTIONS

STORY

Perspective Vol. 1, Maximillian Yu’s debut solo exhibition draws inspiration from careful observation of orchids, ferns, and succulents. The exhibited 11 photographs are records of the garden that he cultivated between 2019 and 2021. With meticulous care, Yu discovered minute variations in these flowers and plants that were overlooked in the past. The attentive routine of watering and fertilizing enabled Yu to traverse into another realm, in which the intricate details of the petals and buds evoked a familiar yet mysterious feeling. Yu described this sensation as “otherworldly” and desired to share his unique visual experience with the viewers.

Yu’s love for nature was innate. The curiosity and eagerness to explore the natural wonders of our world stemmed from memories of his early childhood. Yu frequented flower markets with his grandmother, Ying Ying, whose love for flower arrangements further blossomed his appreciation for nature. The tender after-school memories of his grandmother displaying luscious flowers piqued his interest in the life cycle of plants. As Yu further embraced the vibrant world of gardening, he was entranced by unique flowers and plants that have unpredictable blooming cycles. The satisfaction of seeing rare blooms unfold prompted Yu to capture them in photographs, curating a one-of-a-kind collection.

Spanning three generations, Perspective Vol. 1 is an ode and a reminder of the lessons Ying Ying imparted to him: to slow down and pay attention to our surroundings. The visual dialogue between Yu and his garden acts as a conduit for the viewer to reflect on our daily oversights. Through his work, Yu challenges us to examine mundanity with a fresh perspective – to venture and unearth newfound appreciation towards what we take for granted every day. The silhouette of sporophytes and delicate touches of pistils from the collection whisper the significance of mindfulness, ultimately posing the question: what have you paid careful attention to today?