The Fisherman's Sentinels (2023) Photograph by YIBO WANG

This documentary photograph captures the serene yet disciplined world of traditional cormorant fishing. Resting on a weathered bamboo raft, three cormorants—two dark and one striking white—are perched in a near-perfect symmetrical arrangement around a woven fishing basket.

The calm, clear waters of the river reveal the smooth riverbed below, while the soft reflections in the background hint at the majestic karst landscape beyond. I chose this specific moment to highlight the sculptural quality of the birds and the rustic textures of the fishing gear, transforming a scene of daily labor into a poetic study of balance and cultural heritage. This work invites the viewer to reflect on the harmonious, enduring relationship between man and nature, preserved in a rapidly changing world.

Materials used:

Archival pigment print on fine art paper.

Details:

• Photograph on Paper
• From a limited edition of 15
• Size: 59.4 x 42 x 0.1cm (unframed) / 50 x 33.4cm (actual image size)
• Signed and numbered on the back
• Style: Photorealistic
• Subject: Animals and birds