The individual appears entranced and otherworldly, removed from their surroundings and absorbed in a performance. As movement is stilled within the frame, the sublime nature of this performance is amplified and as such, human form and expression are central to this work. To show the trance-like state, the expression captured is deliberately abstract.—Grainne Quinlan

Irish, Hong Kong-based photographer Grainne Quinlan‘s White Crane Spread Wings delights with its studied observation of Tai Chi enthusiasts in Hong Kong. The elderly enthusiasts can be found in many a spot throughout the city, including officially designated areas known as the ‘Pleasure Ground’ and ‘Adult Exercising Corner.’ Perhaps it’s the combo of interesting looking subjects and the freeze-frame oddity of moments between movements, but there is something about these portraits that utterly intrigues.