Artist Profile Nga Wai Li

Nga Wai Li, The Parade, 2024, Digital Photography (Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera with a Canon Zoom EF-M 14-45mm lens).

Li’s keen eye for detail expertly captures the astonishing, serene, and often-overlooked.

Artist Statement

This horizontal photograph captures a serene yet dynamic moment by the coast, where a line of white seagulls perches gracefully on a white railing. The railing, extending diagonally from the center to the top left corner, creates a sense of depth and movement, subtly guiding the viewer’s eye along the procession of birds. The seagulls, all facing left, appear almost uniform in their stance—standing tall, with most in the same position, creating a sense of unity and order.

The first two seagulls are sharply in focus, standing closer to the viewer, while those further down the line gradually blur, adding a soft, atmospheric effect that enhances the photo’s cohesion. Despite this blur, the overall harmony remains undisturbed, allowing the viewer to appreciate the line of birds as a singular, cohesive form.

Titled The Parade, the photograph evokes a sense of quiet ceremony, as if the seagulls are partaking in an intentional procession—an orderly gathering where nature, not human influence, dictates the rhythm. The name draws a parallel between this natural gathering and human traditions of parades, where individuals come together in unity and movement.

In the same way humans find belonging by the sea, the seagulls, whose presence on the railing reflects their quiet dominance over this space, do too. The Parade reminds us that the coast is not solely ours—it a shared place, home to countless other lives that deserve our respect.

Artist Biography

Nga Wai Li is an emerging photographer whose work mostly explores the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. With a keen eye for detail, she captures the often-overlooked elements of nature, inviting viewers to pause and reconsider the world around them. Currently focusing on nature photography, she is particularly drawn to the square format, finding that its symmetry and balance offer a unique perspective on the subjects she captures. Whether it’s the delicate texture of leaves, the play of light on trees, or the quiet stillness of a landscape, her images reflect a deep reverence for nature’s often-hidden beauty.

Through her photography, Nga Wai Li aims to remind people of the richness and complexity of the natural world. In a time when many are disconnected from nature, she hopes her work serves as a gentle invitation to slow down and appreciate the small details that often go unnoticed. By focusing on these moments, she hopes to inspire a renewed sense of wonder and a deeper connection to the environment.