Lizard climbing on tree trunk

A striking close-up captures a small, brightly coloured lizard clinging effortlessly to the textured trunk of a palm tree. The reptile, with its vivid yellow-green body and distinctive orange-yellow head, grips the rough, fibrous bark with sharp claws, its long slender tail curving gracefully downwards for balance. Fine scales and subtle spines along its back catch the soft natural light, highlighting the intricate details of its skin. The background features blurred vertical lines of additional palm trunks fading into a pale, overcast sky, creating a shallow depth of field that keeps the focus firmly on the lizard. The composition emphasises the creature’s agility and camouflage against the greyish-brown bark, while the tropical setting evokes warm, humid climates. This intimate wildlife portrait radiates a sense of quiet alertness and natural harmony, perfectly showcasing the beauty of a common yet captivating garden lizard in its everyday environment.

In the exhibition

Work 144 of 365

Before We Explain the World

This photograph has a place in the continuous exhibition, alongside the other moments Lu Heng has chosen to show together.

Meeting Other LivesThey Look Back

See this photograph in the exhibition