When was the last time you scrolled through your camera roll and stopped to appreciate the story behind a single photo? Do you ever wonder how many moments you've captured but never truly savored? This essay explores how "Finders Keepers" by Teju Cole and "Maple Leaves at the Tekona Shrine, Mama" by Utagawa (Ando) Hiroshige both touch upon the theme of wonder and the ways in which humans interact with and interpret the world around them. “Maple Trees at Mama, Tekona Shrine and Linked Bridge” is a woodblock print by Utagawa. It transports us to Mama, a location over ten miles east of central Edo (now Tokyo), celebrated for its autumn maples. "Finders Keepers" by Teju Cole delves into the overwhelming presence of photographs in contemporary society, proposing that our exposure to an abundance of images …show more content…
The picture shows a peaceful scene with soft falling autumn leaves surrounding a Japanese shrine. A sense of serenity and beauty is created by the vibrant colours and meticulous woodblock techniques, inviting viewers to stop and take in the wonders of nature. Hiroshige demonstrates in this piece of art how people can engage with and understand their surroundings with wonder and appreciation. We are reminded of the transience and beauty of our surroundings by the autumn maple leaves, which represent the seasons and the yearly aspect of life. The image is made more dramatic by the mountains in the distance, which highlight the majesty and vastness of nature. Because of Hiroshige's careful attention to composition and detail, viewers are able to fully immerse themselves in the setting and are inspired to reflect on the wonder and beauty of their surroundings. Overall, "Maple Leaves at the Tekona Shrine, Mama" is a testament to the power of art to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in the beauty of nature and the world around