A beach in Southeast Asia, more precisely in this archipelago around a hundred islands of Langkawi on the west coast of Malaysia, a stone’s throw from the Thai coast.
An almost “classic” image in itself, which we often see, whether it is this beach or another similar one in the region, it highlights the beauties of a space that we could almost describe as virgin, forcing you to go elsewhere. Which actually seems to work given that a photo – or one like it – generally grabs our attention. But why ?
We are already here on the vertical format, which increases the space and gives the place more scale. Which actually accentuates this impression of virgin nature… if apart from two bathers (which we associate with tourists) barely visible, but who indicate that the place is accessible. Especially thanks to this boat, which we could first take as a boat that local people sail from one place to another, but which, if we look a little more, presents more signs of tourist traffic.
But then only a few tourists, given the size of the ship. We also anticipate the contacts and exchanges that arise between the passengers and the pilot (whom we easily guess and imagine as a fisherman from a neighboring village) when there are only a few of us.
In short, when a visitor meets a “local”, away from mass tourism and in what some refer to as “responsible tourism” where everyone finds what they deserve while respecting the shared environment. Added to this for many Westerners is this idyllic, admittedly somewhat “epinal” image of Robinson on his island…
Because this blue ship stranded on a white sand beach is also a symbol of freedom and adventure, while the beach is more of a symbol of calm and peace. The combination of both, bordering on antagonistic, suggests that we will experience “something else” there, off the beaten path, but in a soothing environment. What more could you ask for?
Finally, the painting itself can simply be appreciated for its beauty.
The first is this dominant and traditionally soothing blue color with various shades that contrasts with the light sand. Then the harmonious composition of the whole with these rocks and this horizon line, which cuts the space, lengthens the depth of field and highlights this ship visually located just below. All this makes it a pleasant picture to look at.
So it is, and surely, many other things – perhaps even more personal – that compel us to capture this photo and take it somewhere else, where we would undoubtedly like to be at this moment…