Photography in Abstract Art – Discovering a New Form of Beauty
Photography has been around for well over a century, and abstract art has a history that’s almost as long. For much of the existence of these two art forms, they’ve existed independently of each other. Today, you can get the best of the combination of these two styles.
Here’s everything you need to know about abstract photography in the 21st century.
A Quick Guide to Abstract Art and Photography
Also sometimes referred to as non-objective art, abstract art photography depicts visual images in distorted and unique ways. This type of art isolates a piece of a natural scene and removes its traditional context. This creates an unreal and captivating appearance. The core elements of this abstract art form are the use of:
- Light;
- Color;
- Texture;
- Shadow;
- Shape.
Masters of this art style manipulate these variables to evoke strong emotions, sensations, and impressions.
How Abstract Art Photography Began (And Where It Is Today)
This genre of abstract art started as the brainchild of Laszlo Moholy-Nagy. The Hungarian painter and photography were strongly influenced by constructivism and surrealism in the early 1900s. This made him a strong voice for technology in the art world.
Alfred Stieglitz, an American photographer, built on this foundation to create the hit collection, Music – A Sequence of Ten Clouds Photographs. Abstract art photography took off from there.
In the 21st century, this art form has gained even more renown. Artists like Thomas Ruff and Wolfgang Tillmans have been significant to this. The former, in particular, has made giant strides and taken the art style into new waters with his Cassini series.
Common Techniques and Strategies in Abstract Art Photography
A few of the most common techniques used in this art style are:
Movement Blurs and Long Exposures
This strategy relies on the concept of slow-shutter photography. This is when the camera shutter is left open for a longer period. That allows everything from color and action to movement and texture to blur and blend randomly.
The result is an enchanting abstraction that peeks into the unknown.
Mirrored Surfaces and Prismatic Exteriors
Some artists also use mirrored and prismatic exteriors to add more nuance to their abstract creations. The unique properties of these tools warp light rays and retract the color spectrum. What you get at the end of the day are stunning and enchanting visual effects.
Features of Abstract Art Photography
This art form breaks away from the conventional understanding and structure of traditional art. That’s why its defining characteristic is its focus on form and figure, not readily recognizable characteristics.
Another iconic feature of abstract art photography is its abstraction of everyday subjects. It creates paradoxical images that compel the viewer to contemplate the true nature of the world.
Embracing Abstract Photography
This art style may be an acquired taste, but there can be no doubt that it has its charms. It represents creativity in its purest form and challenges you to see life in new and different ways.
You can find compelling abstract photography pieces here.
