PicsArt Monthly PicsArt Monthly Magazine December Issue 2014 | Page 93

During the month of December, “The North Pole” becomes synonymous with thoughts and musings of Santa’s hidden home, the occasional reindeer strolling around in the snow, and perhaps the Polar Express making a much-awaited stop. The association of this fascinating and dynamic geographic location with the fantastical often overpowers our tendency to envision the reality. PicsArtist franz xavier (@a-lexi) lets his travel experiences guide his photography and in doing so, he gives us a unique glimpse into a reality that is far from the everyday eye: a glimpse that became December’s Photo of the Month on PicsArt. Franz xiavier’s shot is of a lonesome polar bear looking ahead, surrounded by snow and Atlantic waters. It doesn’t have a title, but it does have a satisfying simplicity that comes with the wild nature it has captured. It is a breath of the reality that prevails in the North Pole. This photo conveys isolation, in a place away from most of our attention and appreciation, where winter wonderland is the forecast all year long. Although we are more aware of the world we live in thanks to technology, there are still corners of the world that don’t receive the attention they deserve, making this photo a truly rare find.