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Twin vision: Chinese artist Gao Rongguo has produced a series of thought-provoking photos depicting identical twins over the age of 50
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A Chinese artist has produced a beautiful and thought-provoking series of photos depicting identical twins, all over the age of 50.
Gao Rongguo, 30, who is based in Beijing, titled the poignant photos 'Identical Twins,' but as we can see, most of them have grown apart significantly in appearance since they once shared the same womb.
Mr Rongguo quotes ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius as saying that 50 is the age when people begin to understand their fate.
In his accompanying text, he mentions that although his subjects share the same face and upbringing, 'Their lives changed due to various reasons after growing up.'
The contemplative photos, shot in the Shandong province where the artist grew up, pair the twins opposite one another as if the subjects are looking into a distorted mirror.
The male and female twins stand with blank expressions against bleak, snow scattered landscapes. In some, we can make out stark, industrial buildings far in the distance and in others, small twists of river water beneath a powdery blue sky.
Falling short: There is a noticeable height discrepancy between these twins, despite their near identical faces
Stoic: These women share remarkably similar faces and hair styles but pose in contrasting clothing
Opposed: We can see that these men are brothers but it's hard to believe they are identical twins, such is the difference in their faces
In almost all photos, the twins sport different clothing and adopt distinct stances which reflect the contrasting life experiences etched onto their weathered faces.
In one set, we can deduce that the twins have entirely different professions, one in a smart suit and the other in a matching, but scruffy, slate colored jacket.
Some look withered and defeated, perhaps an allusion to a life of hardship, while others appear more distinguished.
Scarf twins: The intriguing likeness between this pair is clear, in an example that invites the viewer to hover on it a little longer
Weathered: This compelling photo depicts a pair of twins who have perhaps both lived a life of hardship
Almost matching: We can deduce here that these twins have entirely different professions, one in a smart suit and the other in a scruffy slate jacket
Stark: These woman are paired against a backdrop of bleak, snow scattered landscapes under a flat gray sky
One set shows a set of female twins, the first with short cropped hair and the second with long tousled locks scraped loosely into a braid.
In another, there a noticeable discrepancy between the men's heights, as if one has experienced a stunt in growth or even developed a significant stoop.
In one example, we can see that the pair are related but it is hard to believe they are identical twins, such is difference in their facial features.
Quizzical: Although all the photos were shot separately, some subjects almost appear to be interacting with one another, like the twins pictured here - both obviously hat fans
Dedication: Mr Rongguo visited a total of 511 villages around his hometown province of Shandong to find enough pairs of identical twins
Throwback: Three sets of twins, it's unknown which, were old friends of the artist, traced all the way back from his years at school
Solitary: In the last image, this man's twin is noticeably missing from the other frame. We can perhaps assume he may have lost his brother
The last photo in the series shows only one twin, the opposite frame left blank but for a lonely looking mound of earth. We can perhaps assume that this man may have lost his twin.
Not much is known about Mr Rongguo, but according to Photoquai.com, he got the idea after recalling three sets of identical twins he knew from the various schools he attended in his youth. The artist reportedly ventured back to his province and visited a total of 511 villages in search of his former friends and other twins.
He ended up photographing 23 pairs, and only published 12.
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