Romance of the American West by Michael Paul
Conversing with Jason Shih in the Language of Sculptures
April 1, 2025
The Intersection of Strategy and Design: Yuqing Xiao at FFBA
April 1, 2025
Journey to the Wild West
Michael Paul's project is a self-rendition of the popular "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" which is a part historical and part fantasy that romanticises and dramatises the lives of feudal lords and their retainers from ancient China. Michael's project, the "Romance of the American West," brings a much natural feel by bringing to light the enduring allure of a land built on self-reliance and independence.
Hundreds of years ago, the American West was once a wild frontier where adventure, perils and a new beginning for pioneers to carve a new path for their lives.
Pioneers in the past once carved a destiny out of the frontier that formed what now represents part of America.
The American West were a place where mountains, canyons, and rivers played a role respectively in a grand narrative, echoing the mythologies of ancient spiritual cultures uniquely American. Although modern developments have brought changes to much of its interior, there remain untouched spaces that recall the raw, untamed beauty of its past.
Michael's photographic project captures the Wild West in all its ruggedness, where natural wonders and spiritual mysticism are ever-present. One striking image shows a lone rider on horseback against the backdrop of a majestic mountain range which very much represents the Wild West's landscape. Surprisingly, this scene actually recalls the days when daring cowboys, frontier adventurers, and pioneers boldly ventured into the unknown with a determination of their own.
Another captivating visual from his photographs would be the misty forest where deers tread softly over river water, perhaps suggesting a quiet migration in search of better pastures as the seasons shift to winter. Such images transport viewers to a moment where nature simply reigned supreme and every journey taken was an act of courage which would side by side be an example of the pioneers who once dared the frontier.
In one of the photographs, as seen after the deer's potential migration, a moose now stands alert in a dense forest. Its steady gaze, staring right at Michael's lens is an invitation to reflect on the passage of time. This creature, a silent observer of the wilderness in the American West, symbolises the resilience and strength of the land.
A cool image in the photography project would be the image of a Native American tent set against a rising sun. This vivid picture of heritage is a natural cycle of life, as the rising sun's red colour represents the coming of winter, a reminder of nature's perpetual rhythm. According to Native American lore, there are four colours and their directions each representing a certain season and weather forecast.
Meanwhile, another scene captures the magnificence of the American West mountain peaks bathed in the light of early morning. The landscape looks as if nature won against Mordor from the popular novel and movie "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien. Horses are seen grazing peacefully across the open fields, a possible nod to the riders of Rohan from the same series, an enduring legacy of the pastoral beauty.
Michael's visual project is a tribute to the spirit that once fueled the dreams of pioneers, ancient stories and pop-cultures that continue to inspire future generations today. The "Romance of the American West" narrative is a tale of history and an invitation to reconnect with a time when freedom and hope were a tangible point in everyday life. Each of his images is a story retold in visual masterpieces of the vast possibilities that defined the American frontier and reminds viewers that even in the current modern progressive world, there are moments like these where one can pause and savour or appreciate the splendour of untouched nature.
Through this project, Michael Paul offers viewers a window into an era when the landscape itself was a canvas for dreams and ambitions. The captivating visuals and thoughtful storytelling encourage those who are looking to explore, adventure and reflect on the opportunities that lie in wait, just as they did for those who once tamed the Wild West.
Credits
Entry Title: Romance of the American West
Photographer: Michael Paul
Winning Category: Fine Art Photography - Nature
Read about The surprise of life | A Serendipitous Encounter in Patagonia here.
