Symmetry: The Whole World is Same Same But Different

Everywhere you look, you’re surrounded by symmetry

For some reason I’m fascinated by finding symmetry in everything. Sometimes it’s the way lines meet and equality is achieved. Others it’s symmetry in opposites and concepts. But what is the photographic representation of that word, I asked myself while preparing this: my entry for Unframed World’s Travel Photo Roulette.

Symmetry in Pairs and Patterns

To me, symmetry is anything that comes together and finds it’s pair. That can be shapes, objects, nature, landscapes and even the very events that make up our lives.

Symmetry in Concepts

Throughout my travels, I am always fascinated by the symmetry of how at it’s core, everything is the same across the world. Sure, getting across a body of water may look different on Route 66 than it does in rural Mexico, but people still have to get to the other side.

Symmetry in Transportation

The below photograph of an aerial cable car soaring over the East River in New York City also symmetrically fits into the same category of ways to get across water. Again, a completely different take on the same concept.

Then, to reuse the above tram photo and change the symmetry, it also can be shown alongside the below antiquated train weaving through the hills of Sri Lanka. All are ways for people to get from point A to point B.

Symmetry in War & Peace

I also consider certain opposites symmetrical: hot and cold, night and day, war and peace.

In the two photos below, the Red Shirt protest in Bangkok is the war, to the peace of a Buddha statue in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The two play off each other and, coincidentally, they both were taken in Thailand.

What do YOU think symmetry means?