Striking Photos by Peter Li Capture the Soaring Majesty of Sacred Spaces

"Soaring ceilings, gilded filigree, and saintly stained glass windows both reflect religious traditions and create a sanctuary for such practices. Whether in the luminous Gothic style or awe-inspiring Baroque, these spaces are also often architectural marvels, which Li documents through an almost portrait-like approach. Many of his panoramas span 180 degrees and offer a symmetric, reflective view of the space through a meticulous stitching process."

"More recently, though, Li has begun to capture these spaces more directly, as if he's just wandered in by chance. The two photos of York Minster reflect this shift and showcase a cathedral hazy with incense during Holy Week. Having wanted to capture this particular site for seven years, Li was able to secure early access and visit at 6 a.m., before any guests were allowed in."

"The intention no longer centres on expanding what the eye can see, but on heightening the atmosphere of these interiors while remaining faithful to their original architecture. Alongside the expansive vertoramas, I've introduced compositions that sit closer to natural human vision. In these works, colour and light are pushed further, not to manipulate the structure, but to intensify its presence. The balance between realism and fantasy has become more deliberate and restrained."

Cathedrals, basilicas, and historic interiors are presented as living vessels of light, symmetry, and time. Soaring ceilings, gilded filigree, and stained glass both reflect religious traditions and create sanctuary spaces. Panoramas often span 180 degrees, offering symmetric, reflective views achieved through meticulous stitching to accentuate rib vaults and columns. Recent images adopt closer, human-vision compositions that heighten atmosphere while remaining faithful to original architecture. Two York Minster photos capture incense-hazed interiors during Holy Week after early-morning access. Colour and light are pushed further to intensify presence, with a deliberate, restrained balance between realism and fantasy. Work includes locations across the U.K., Paris, Madrid, and Prague.

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