Abstract

Play Misty​

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Sigma Sd Quattro H, Sigma 85mm lens
Image resized smaller than original (2507 x 1672)​
 
I find 'abstract' in photography as a difficult definition. On the one hand, something abstract should be without representation in the real world or of material objects, but in photography that's difficult (under normal conditions of the use of a camera and photographic materials), so the definition has to be more along the lines of an incorrect representation of objective or visual reality, which can also get mixed-up with surrealism I suppose.
 
As an example in the first image, athough there is figurative and object representation, the visual reality is incorrect. I can title this "Mark drinking vodka in the afternoon", which is the objective reality but isn't represented in the image. The second image has a less objective representation, but still, we know it is a material object. Even if I disclosed the objective reality "Mercedes Benz after a fire", the image still lacks connection with visual reality. In this case the visual reality is distorted by the objective reality, the fire, and the photographer.
 

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Is it a fine line between out-of-focus crap and truly inspirational abstract art? I still don’t believe that a close-up picture of a wall or a tree, or pond scum is abstract art. Abstract art has to be more than throwing bologna at the wall and seeing what sticks and what falls to the ground. Probably I need a kick in the ass to see things better.

I wish I could walk away from this thread but for some reason I can’t.

My wife and I visit art museums and galleries as often as we can. Art, in all forms, inspires my photography. Nothing recharges my batteries more than an afternoon in an art museum.

Funny thing… When I see an abstract painting in a museum that blows my mind, it is often from the 1930s ~ 1950s. How is it possible that these early artists were so intune with abstract philosophy? How is it possible that I am still struggling with this art form? Have I not learned anything?

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I am struggling.

All the best,
Mike
 



























For several years now, I have been making abstract photographs using the colors, patterns, and shapes in the sky. They're heavily manipulated to bring out the color and tone I want; unlike my documentary work, which is realistic in nature. Some of these are very simple images, some are quite complex. All use the sky as a basis for the image, but none are literal renderings. You can see more on my website.
 
My first serious attempt at abstract photography​
DSC00159.jpg

Sony A7III, Sigma 90mm f2.8 lens
Sony in camera color JPEG
Yokohama, Japan - June 2023
Image is lower resolution than original​
 
My second serious attempt at abstract photography​
DSC00168.jpg

Sony A7III, Sigma 90mm f2.8 lens
Sony in camera color JPEG
Yokohama, Japan - June 2023
Image is lower resolution than original​
 
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