Reflection

Growing up in Pudong, Shanghai, I witnessed rapid urbanization. Farmland was transformed into a dense urban environment where my home and school now stand. However, this progress came at a great cost: the gradual loss of natural beauty. My artwork critiques the destructive force of urbanization on nature. This piece depicts a close-up of a tree trunk, its organic form overtaken by twisted, curving high-rise buildings that grow like an unnatural infestation. The structures warp and spiral as if growing uncontrollably, appearing almost alive, mimicking the aggressive spread of cities and their destructive momentum. I used pen to highlight the tree’s intricate textures, capturing its raw, natural beauty against the rigid, distorted buildings. Watercolor brings the tree to life with earthy tones, but these hues gradually fade as they near the buildings, symbolizing how nature’s vibrancy is drained by urban growth. The fading colors serve as a warning: if we continue to prioritize development over harmony, we risk losing the beauty of our world.