The relationship between photography and abstraction is fascinating. Unlike other visual art forms which begin with a blank space or surface that has to be filled by the artist, photography begins with a world full of information. The conventional job of the photographer is to select and capture a small portion of reality in a relatively faithful manner. However, it could be argued that all art, including photography, is essentially abstract. Photographs are versions of reality. They are flat and have edges. Photographs are artful selections. They are silent. In the early years of photography, certain artists understood this aspect of the medium and emphasised the abstract qualities of photographs and the disinterested eye of the camera. This tradition of abstraction in photography continues to the present day.
My First Response
My Second Response
Evaluation
This aspect of photography was more difficult than expected as we had to capture abstract images from people in the streets. Therefore I focused on capturing people with bright, colourful clothing in order to create more of an effect. My most successful picture was inspired by photographer Stephen Calcutt who would take pictures through scratched glass at a bus stop. Overall, my contact sheet wasn't the best representation of abstract street photography and in order to improve I would visit an area on a rainy day as the rain contributes to the abstract look of an image.
This aspect of photography was more difficult than expected as we had to capture abstract images from people in the streets. Therefore I focused on capturing people with bright, colourful clothing in order to create more of an effect. My most successful picture was inspired by photographer Stephen Calcutt who would take pictures through scratched glass at a bus stop. Overall, my contact sheet wasn't the best representation of abstract street photography and in order to improve I would visit an area on a rainy day as the rain contributes to the abstract look of an image.
This street abstract work was inspired by Saul Leiter who managed to develop a distinctive, dreamy style that played with shallow depths of field and a vibrant colours in his abstract photography.
Source: Fortismere Weebly
Indoor Abstract
We attempted to create work inspired by Erwin Blumenfeld who was regarded as one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century. Born in Berlin in 1987, Blumenfeld drew early inspiration from the Dadaists, incorporating experimental techniques like solarisation, multiple exposures and photomontage into his darkroom practice.
Source: Fortismere Weebly
Source: Fortismere Weebly
This aspect of abstract photography was less difficult as we had resources such as distorted glass and different possibilities of lighting. This enabled for shadows to be created, adding to the artistic effect of abstract photography. Furthermore, we were able to get close up portraits in the studio whilst it was more difficult to do in public as they are much more likely to feel uncomfortable. This shoot was much more successful as we were able to explore with different colours and textures surrounding the portrait.
Dark Room Abstraction
Evaluation
We were instructed to develop one of our abstract images in the dark room and then edit it further in photoshop. I attempted to use different techniques in the dark room such as solarisation and using a paintbrush rather than fully emerging the paper in the
developer. This added more of an artistic aspect to the abstract picture due to the chequered patterns. My last image was edited in photoshop by increasing the contrast, creating a blurry and pixelated effect.
We were instructed to develop one of our abstract images in the dark room and then edit it further in photoshop. I attempted to use different techniques in the dark room such as solarisation and using a paintbrush rather than fully emerging the paper in the
developer. This added more of an artistic aspect to the abstract picture due to the chequered patterns. My last image was edited in photoshop by increasing the contrast, creating a blurry and pixelated effect.
3D Photographic Abstraction
Abigail Reynolds
I have chosen to focus on the work of Abigail Reynolds who is an artist that combines different photographs of landscapes by cutting and folding them into texture lattice-like patterns She is based in Cornwall who studied English literature at Oxford University before going to Chelsea College of Arts and then Goldsmiths University in order to pursue Fine Arts. I like the complete contrast between the pleasant background and the rough tears in the image as it makes it more intriguing. I think that I dislike how the artist doesn't use images captured by herself but instead someone else, making it feel less like her own art.
Alma Haser
The artist who I have chosen to compare with Abigail Reynolds is German artist Alma Haser. She is currently based in London who makes several copies of a portrait and folds them to be placed on the original image, creating a peculiar yet fascinating final product. I like how eye-catching the image due to how unusual it is however I would prefer the image if it had a more interesting background such as a landscape.
Both artists combine cut-out pieces of a picture and combines them with another image, however Reynolds uses different images of landscapes whilst Haser uses copies of a portrait. I think that I prefer Reynolds' work more as her images contain lots of engrossing colours whilst Haser's images contains reasonably dull colours in order to put the focus on the edit model.
My Contact Sheet
In order to complete my abstract work inspired by Abigail Reynolds I combined different geometric parts of an image and placed them on a separate image.
Evaluation
This was surprisingly difficult to get an interesting image as putting a little amount of shapes would make it less interesting whilst too many cut outs would make the image too idealistic. I did this by using a picture of a building as a base and cut out shapes from a separate image, ideally with more powerful colours. In order to improve if done again, I would use card instead of paper and perhaps use a scalpel so that the geometric shapes can be connected to one another.
This was surprisingly difficult to get an interesting image as putting a little amount of shapes would make it less interesting whilst too many cut outs would make the image too idealistic. I did this by using a picture of a building as a base and cut out shapes from a separate image, ideally with more powerful colours. In order to improve if done again, I would use card instead of paper and perhaps use a scalpel so that the geometric shapes can be connected to one another.
Expansion of Abstract Street Photography
I chose to focus on street abstract photography due to its wide range of possibilities of capturing an interesting image. My work was inspired by famous street photographer Saul Leiter who manages to combine the sharp colours and the inhabitants of New York city. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1923 where he left the college he was attending in Cleveland and moved to New York City in 1946. This is where he met abstract painter Richard Pousette-Dart, who was experimenting with photography. This inspired Leiter to become one of the most influential street photographers he is known as to this day.
Harlem- 1960
This image goes against Leiter's style of discreetly capturing a picture through a crevice or small area however it means the image it full of interest. The man's hat matches the lettering of 'HOUSE' whilst the flamboyant tie matches the car and reflection, making the image captivating. |
Taxi- 1957
Perhaps Leiter's most famous image, contains a signature bright red and yellow taxi, mixed with a tanned hand, suffused with warm summer light. Leiter used a very shallow depth of field in order to create an effect that reflects the chaos and busyness of the city of New York. |
My Original vs Edited Images
For the rest of my images, I only increased the vibrance, saturation and contrast.
Evaluation
This instructed task was reasonably difficult due to the lack of strong colouring around the streets of Muswell Hill, so therefore I only looked for yellow and red objects as well as areas with lots of sunlights. However, one of my more impactful images goes against the idea of abstract photography consisting of strong colours such as red and yellow, but instead consisted of a royal blue coloured puddle on the road with a feint reflection of sunlight. This image I think that my images are mostly unique from one another as I wanted to avoid having very similar images in order to make my collection of images more diverse.
This instructed task was reasonably difficult due to the lack of strong colouring around the streets of Muswell Hill, so therefore I only looked for yellow and red objects as well as areas with lots of sunlights. However, one of my more impactful images goes against the idea of abstract photography consisting of strong colours such as red and yellow, but instead consisted of a royal blue coloured puddle on the road with a feint reflection of sunlight. This image I think that my images are mostly unique from one another as I wanted to avoid having very similar images in order to make my collection of images more diverse.