Ephermeral Wings of Rust: Echoes of the Fallen Angel by Tien Cao

Fig 11. Tien Cao, Ephemeral Wings of Rust: Echoes of the Fallen Angel, 2023. Inkjet print. 13x17 inches. Art Building Courtyard, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Megan Lam.

Ephermeral Wings of Rust: Echoes of the Fallen Angel by Tien Cao (Fig 11), is a 13x17 photograph presenting a symbiotic relationship between the environment and humans. The fallen angel symbolizes the ever-detaching relationship we have with this world; her pure white dress contrasted with the rugged gray color and rough texture of the abandoned building at the back, with fall greenery dividing the foreground and background, the print presents an odd yet integrated image of delicate-rustic balance. This fallen angel is the constant specter that evokes our awareness and a reminder of our societal and collective responsibility to guard Earth where once the Garden of Eden existed.