I don't know why, but this image seems very 'in your face' to me. I'm being a bit nitpicky but I THINK that the pawns aren't evenly placed in the image (more empty space next to the right pawn than empty space next to the left pawn) and for whatever reason, that bothers me a little but I like this picture because its simple yet makes a statement.
I like this. I'd like it even more if 1) I couldn't see the seam at the back, and 2) the yellow cast was not there (go B&W - at this point just desat to lose the color). Good luck.