That's the stuff out of which modern photography, or even modernity itself, is made! Much empty space and then, just somewhere in that big empty space something that strikes! Like for example a "non standard" expression of a face, the overexposure of which just matches the white of the background. Hard contrasts in combination with that strong light bring the necessary disorientation, for where is he? What is behind hom? Is he anywhere at all? And still it doesn't seem to matter that much.
Because the face itself has such a tremendous "non standard" expression that can absorb the spectator much stronger than any further question. The details are great, the lighting is the same too, and so the white space turns to be only some design, or layout element for the presentation.
BTW, was that a real background, and if so then how did you managed to get that so white, Jimmy?