Before We Explain the World

Photography by Lu Heng

3You are entering

The World We Build

From statues and buildings to streets and ports. Look at the spaces, and at how people use them.

3The World We Build

Figures Made Large

Story 14 of 51 · 8 photographs

Stones, statues, riders and modern figures occupy the frame in different ways. Begin with size and posture, then look at the space around them. A figure’s surroundings can change its whole presence.

  1. A black-and-white upward view of a tapering structure built from irregular stones.
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    Stones rising

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  2. A group of sculpted figures seen from below in black and white beneath textured clouds.
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    Clouds above the figures

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  1. A stone figure seen from below in black and white, with long folds of drapery beneath a grey sky.
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    Stone and drapery

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  2. A Buddha statue with a raised right hand is seen from below against pale purple and gold clouds.
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    A statue beneath coloured clouds

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  1. A tall statue with outstretched arms is seen from below in black and white, with clouds behind.
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    Open arms

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  2. An equestrian statue stands on a sculpted pedestal against deep blue sky.
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    The rider above

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  1. A white cross rises into a blue sky streaked with pale clouds.
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    A white cross beneath blue sky

  2. A giant robot figure stands beneath a metal frame and a cloudy sky.
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    A robot statue beneath clouds

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