INTRODUCTION TO ASSIGNMENT
For this assignment, the theme is Abstract photography. By using ordinary objects in our homes, we are to create abstract images. There is no specific way to take the picture, such as composing and editing them. Researching an artist who specialises in this field is also something that is required. Connecting the way the photographer takes their images and what I learnt and liked from it is another aspect I did. I learned what abstract photography was, its characteristics, and an overall summary of the assignment, my images and the process.
HISTORY OF ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY
The starting point of Abstract Photography developed following scientific discoveries. It allowed people to document information visually, that generally wasn't noticeable with the human eye. Scientists such as Anna Atkins and John William Draper used uncommon methods to create entirely different images from their origins. Atkins created images by placing natural materials like plants onto photographic paper which made photograms. While still keeping much of her subjects' characteristics, her pictures appeared different from anything seen before.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Abstract art began to gain traction within the art world, especially among painters. As the century progressed, so did the work within abstract photography. Ideas such as surrealism and expressionism began to be included as artists explored working with abstract concepts. Artists started to embrace found material into their art, like Susan Rankaitis, who used used images from textbooks to create photograms.
As technology advances, the line separating photography from other forms of visual arts has begun to crumble. This grant photographers and other visual artists more control over their images. Through digital manipulation, artists can capture an ordinary image and transform it into something completely different, unrecognisable and unique.
WHAT IS ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY
Abstract photography, also known as non-objective, conceptual or experimental photography, portrays a visual image that does not have a distinct link with the object and or has been created through the use of photographic equipment, processes or materials. It isn't about what is in the image but the feeling it radiates.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY
The three main components that abstract photography shows are:
Form - Majority of the image is created by form, which is the shape(s) of the object(s).
Colour - Colour draws the viewer into the image and keeps the attention for an extended period. Attractive colours add depth and excitement to the entire picture.
Texture - Creating confusion, adding interest and intriguing viewers are the roles for texture. It can cause your viewers to question what they see, and the image brakes up with the contrasting textures. This character makes your audience want to touch the object.
The way you portray these components helps the viewer understand the subject. It allows them to see the essence of the subject in a new, often similar, light.
ARTIST RESEARCH
Known for using camera-less photography (photograms), Floris Neusüss is a contemporary experimental German photographer. The Nudogramms from the late 1960s is his most famous works. '"Photograms don't show us what's beyond the visible, but they give us a hint of it," Neusüss has said. He was born in Germany on March 3, 1937. Neusüss completed his education at the School of Art in Berlin where he studied under the respected Heinz Hajek-Halke after studying at many schools through Germany. He went on to teach at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kassel while he began experimenting with photograms. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London and other museums, hold Neusüss's works in collections. Floris continues to work and live in Germany.
This image shows a white outline of what looks like a plant, and the background is solid black.
The solid black background helps outline the bright white outline of the flower. The composition itself is straightforward but effective. The soft effect with the flowers but harshness with the leaves work perfectly together.
Neusüss is an experimental photographer, so I think he took this mainly to experiment. It mostly was taken near the year 2000.
I've never tried this type of photography before, so I can't say that I've taken anything similar. But for my assignment, this image does help give me an idea of what I could take.
I like the mysteriousness of the image. The juxtaposition of the background from the plant gives the image interest. I think the picture is missing something more, but that also adds to it.
FINAL IMAGES
EVALUATION OF FINAL IMAGES
For this task, I used objects around my home to help create abstract images. I research a photographer who does this type of photography and learnt the history and meaning of this type of photography.
I think the way I used the objects worked well. Even though some of the items used were obvious, there are still others that are not as distinct. Taking some of the images in back and white worked in my favour. I could have been more creative in using the object in my photos.
Learning how to manipulate the viewers perspective on objects is a new skill I learnt. This was an exciting skill and could help me improve future photos.
TASK EVALUATION
The theme of the task was abstract photography. I thought this type of photography was exciting. By framing, editing and using objects differently, the images now have a new and powerful presence. I liked using mundane objects in my home to create a captivating scene in the frame. Framing the subjects good enough to create interest was a new skill I gained.
Floris Neusüss was the photographer I researched. His images didn't influence my photos, but it did give me another sight into abstract photography. I think the way I framed some of the pictures was done really well. A problem I faced was not being able to figure out how the images should look without giving the item away. Even using lighting to help create an effect, it was still challenging to photograph without the viewer knowing what it was. If I had to retake the images, I would have tried to use another method for effects.
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