Apex: A Serene Journey Through Yicheng Feng's Lens

Exploring the Tranquil Beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Yicheng Feng's inspiration for "Apex" came from the naturally occurring megastructures he encountered. Reflecting on the progression of human civilization and its relationship with nature, he sought to capture the rich terrain of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in a new light. As Andrew Warhol once stated, "Land really is the best art." This sentiment resonates throughout the series, with each image offering a different perspective on natural beauty.

"Apex" stands out for its focus on the entropic nature of organic forms and patterns, contrasting with the rigidity of social structures and routine lifestyles. The series presents these elements in a pristine setting that offers a sense of serenity. The forms of the rocks on the mountain create a perfect juxtaposition between ordered complexity and simplicity, resulting in a unique perspective on natural beauty.

The series was shot on a Canon 5D Mark III with an EF 135mm f/2 lens. The images were captured handheld and underwent general processing in Adobe Lightroom, with detail retouching done in Adobe Photoshop. All images are in a digital format, available at 3840*3840px, 300dpi.

The project began in July 2020 in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China, and concluded in December 2020 in Shanghai, China. The scenes were captured at the peak of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, at an altitude of 4280m. The open space offers an experience that is serene, tranquil, and breathtaking. The series was created with the intention of using the images as a meditative medium for viewers, providing an escape from the information overload of the modern age.

Despite the challenges posed by the high altitude and unpredictable climate, Yicheng Feng was able to capture stunning images of the mountain's landscape. He carried only one DSLR camera and two lenses to reduce the load, making room for more oxygen supply and allowing for a longer shoot time.

In conclusion, "Apex" is a testament to Yicheng Feng's ability to capture the serene beauty of nature in a unique and engaging way. The series invites viewers to take a moment to appreciate the tranquil and meditative atmosphere of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.