The Mystery of the Ordinary: William Eggleston’s Outlands

By Jonathan Shih

William Eggleston (b. 1939, Memphis) is celebrated for transforming color photography into a recognized art form. Influenced by Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank, and Walker Evans, he began experimenting with color film in the 1960s, turning to dye-transfer printing—a process admired in advertising but largely dismissed in fine art circles. His photographs of the American South focused on the everyday—suburban streets, modest interiors, and chance encounters—yet rendered them with striking intensity.

In 1976, MoMA curator John Szarkowski organized Photographs by William Eggleston, accompanied by William Eggleston’s Guide. As the museum’s first solo exhibition devoted to color photography, it marked a watershed moment. The reception was divided: some critics saw innovation, while others, including Ansel Adams, criticized the work as lacking substance. Over time, however, the show came to be seen as a turning point, and Eggleston’s “democratic” approach revealed how the ordinary could hold mystery, beauty, and depth. His way of looking at the world—and his singular pictorial style—continues to reverberate across contemporary visual culture.

© egglestonartfoundation.org

Bilal Hamdad – Between Painting and Photography

By Jonathan Shih

Bilal Hamdad (b. 1987, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria) creates large-scale oil paintings that blur the line between photography and painting. Drawing on photographic references, he meticulously renders urban landscapes where realism and illusion intertwine. Viewed up close, his brushwork reveals a virtuosity that challenges our perception, making us question whether we are looking at a photo or a canvas. His works capture the tension between memory, image, and reality, placing him among the notable new voices in contemporary realism.

©️ bilalhamdad.com

Between Memory and Dream: The Art of Ron Francis

By Jonathan Shih

Ron Francis is an Australian painter known for trompe-l'œil illusions and surreal, cinematic scenes that feel both familiar and unsettling. Self-taught in perspective and geometry, he honed his skills through mural work before turning fully to canvas after a serious illness. His paintings often carry a strange mix of nostalgia and liminality, like moments suspended between memory and dream—spaces where reality tilts just enough to feel uncanny yet deeply personal.

©️ ronfrancis.art

Art and Hardship

By Jonathan Shih 

‘It is no easier, I’m convinced, to make a good painting than to find a diamond or a pearl.’ Vincent van Gogh, September 1888

It’s worth remembering that even when life becomes tricky and more complicated than we’d like, the bigger picture will often become beautiful.

‘Landscape Under a Stormy Sky’, 1888 © Private collection

Manila in 1983: A Personal Journey Preserved

By Jonathan Shih

In February 1983, a foreigner named Kim Andrew Berry visited the Philippines to get married. His personal journey, which he himself noted "shaped much of the rest of my life," provided a unique lens into Manila at a pivotal time. The photographs in this article are from his original post, serving as a powerful historical record of a city full of life and character.

One of the most captivating images showcases a vibrant jeepney, an undisputed cultural emblem of the Philippines. Renowned for their intricate and personalized designs, these vehicles are a charming adaptation of post-World War II military jeeps and remain a cornerstone of public transportation. This particular jeepney, proudly bearing a "Super Saloon" banner and adorned with elaborate artwork, perfectly encapsulates the unique blend of artistry and utility that defines these mobile masterpieces.

Another shot transports us to the heart of downtown Manila's bustling streets. The scene teems with activity: sidewalks are alive with pedestrians, and the roadways are a dynamic mix of buses, taxis, and more jeepneys. Street vendors are visible, and the juxtaposition of older structures with newer buildings, all beneath a web of overhead power lines, vividly portrays the city's lively urban pulse during that era.

The collection also features an impressive view of the historic University of Santo Tomas (UST). Its grand main building stands as a testament to the university's profound legacy as Asia's oldest existing institution. In the foreground, a statue of a friar presides over a well-maintained garden, emphasizing the institution's deep Catholic heritage and academic prestige.

Further images highlight significant landmarks and everyday scenes: a tranquil, gated area designated "for Ripatada members only," and a sprawling convention center, potentially the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) or a similar venue from the era, bustling with activity. Collectively, these photographs weave a rich tapestry of the past, inviting us to reflect on Manila's distinct character and development.

More than just a traveler, Kim Andrew Berry became an inadvertent chronicler of the Philippines in the 1980s. His images, generously shared, are a precious gift—a powerful reminder that every photograph holds a story, and sometimes, that story can profoundly alter a life's course.

Silent Sentinels of the Past

By Jonathan Shih

"Silent sentinels of the past, brought to life by the laughter of today. A timeless scene in the heart of Intramuros."

Step into the storied heart of Intramuros, Manila, and you're immediately transported to a place where time folds in on itself. Here, beneath the formidable, moss-kissed stone walls that have witnessed centuries of change, lie colossal cannons—relics of a bygone era, silent sentinels of battles long past. These iron giants, once instruments of power and defense, now rest, weathered and forgotten by their original purpose.

Yet, this isn't a scene of quiet decay, but one vibrant with life. Amidst these historical behemoths, the enduring spirit of the Filipino people shines through. A mother watches with a gentle gaze as her children, full of unbridled joy and curiosity, clamber over the cold metal barrels. Their laughter echoes against the ancient stones, transforming what were once symbols of conflict into imaginative playgrounds. One child might be a brave captain, another a daring explorer, their innocent games breathing new life into the solemn landscape.

This powerful image beautifully encapsulates the profound resilience and vibrant continuity of Filipino culture. It's a poignant reminder that history isn't merely confined to textbooks or museums; it's a living, breathing tapestry woven into the fabric of everyday existence. The discarded cannons, rather than being symbols of defeat, become a testament to humanity's innate ability to reclaim, adapt, and find joy even amidst the remnants of a tumultuous past. It's a scene that speaks volumes about how life reclaims its space, how generations build upon what came before, and how the spirit of a community can transform even the most formidable relics into foundations for new stories.

Banksy's New Mural

By Jonathan Shih

On Sunday, September 8, 2025, a striking new mural by Banksy appeared overnight on the wall of the Royal Courts of Justice in London, showing a judge in wig and robes about to strike a protester holding a blood-stained placard. Banksy quickly authenticated the work on Instagram, drawing crowds to the 143-year-old courthouse. But its stay was brief: officials covered the mural with plastic and metal barriers before removing it to protect the Grade I listed building. By mid-week, the piece was scrubbed away, sparking debate over free expression versus heritage preservation. The Metropolitan Police are now investigating the act as possible criminal damage.

© banksy.co.uk

Live In Each Season

By Jonathan Shih

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”

- Henry David Thoreau, Walden

Gustav Klimt

Cottage Garden with Crucifix, 1911