Rising

“Rising” by Justin Bua is an energetic and dynamic portrayal of urban life, focusing on a high-intensity basketball game played on the streets. The composition is both surreal and expressive, capturing the raw energy and passion of the players. The scene is viewed from a dramatic low-angle perspective, with towering buildings leaning inward, creating a tunnel-like effect that draws the viewer’s eye towards the action at the center.

The central figure is mid-jump, reaching for the basketball in a pose that defies gravity, symbolizing ambition, perseverance, and the drive to overcome obstacles. His elongated limbs and exaggerated movement emphasize the fluidity and grace of the game. The other players, depicted with equally exaggerated forms, contribute to the sense of motion and intensity, their bodies twisting and reaching as they strive for the ball.

The color palette is dominated by deep, earthy tones contrasted with vivid splashes of color, particularly in the players’ clothing. The sky, a soft gradient of blues and purples, contrasts with the dark, looming buildings, highlighting the sense of rising above the urban environment. Bua’s distinctive style, characterized by elongated figures and urban themes, is on full display in this piece, celebrating the spirit of urban life and the pursuit of excellence through sport.