Snow White 

Here we see a monochrome photograph, "Snow White," by Abbas Kiarostami, where the starkness of winter is captured through a minimalist lens. The composition divides the scene into three vertical panels, each subtly distinct yet harmoniously unified. In the center panel, a solitary, bare tree stands, its stark silhouette casting long, intricate shadows across the pristine snow. The shadows mimic the tree's form, creating a duality, a spectral echo that merges foreground and background. The monochrome palette enhances the textural contrast between the smooth snow and the rough bark, emphasizing the graphic qualities of line and form. Kiarostami’s use of space invites contemplation on absence and presence. This deliberate arrangement reflects the structuralist interest in underlying patterns. The image transforms a natural scene into a study of visual elements, challenging our perception. The photograph’s aesthetic power lies in its simplicity. Through its formal qualities, Kiarostami challenges us to see beyond the surface, engaging with the deeper structures of the natural world and our perception of it.