Guardians

• Prize
  Gold in Architecture/Bridges
• Photographer
  Ulana Switucha

Concrete coastal defences are an ingrained part of the Japanese seascape. These seawalls and wave breakers are guardians that protect the population, create safe havens for vessels and dissipate erosion, from tides, typhoons and tsunami. The lines and forms of the structures and beacons create a visual and visceral interplay of darkness and light and of danger and safety. The immensity of the ocean dwarfs the enormous man-made guardians, diminishing them to shapes in the water. I used long exposure photography, to silence nature’s power and calm the dark waters, if only for the moment.

When creating an image, Ulana is inspired by light, shape, and tone. Her simple, often minimal, compositions present an awareness and a connection with the subject whether it be landscape, portraiture or documentary work. Based in Hong Kong, Ulana's work has been exhibited and published internationally. Her passion is best expressed by a quote from a contemporary photographer: “If I weren’t a photographer, I’d still be a traveler”.