The cultural in our life

The message I want my audience to think about is the different perspective of culture, and to view, investigate the culture that appears in our life, for example: architecture… just everywhere that can find out elements of different culture. I want the audience to discover and realize that there are many things or sights in life that represent a variety of different cultures, and feel proud of their own country’s cultures or appreciate other country’s cultures, and appreciate the greatness of these architectural or scenic objects that embody the culture. I will get inspiration and develop my ideas by looking for photographs that focus on architecture, in what way and how to take good photos of them, and I will also find a photographer who explores cultural, finding the cultures in the life. In my opinion, we have to explore and find the culture in our life to make connection of the world.

Statement of intent：

In this photography, my intention is to observe different cultures through objects in my life, focusing mainly on photographing different buildings or objects that represent the culture of any country. It is mainly photographed in various shapes and angles which is geometric abstraction. Abstract shooting techniques are used to take pictures by unusual angle or, or sharpness changes, sometimes photographing the details of an object, or blurring the image. Aerial shots and intentionally moving the camera or obscuring the scale of a photo can transform recognizable landscapes into intriguing abstract images.

Analysis of an artist：

Paul Browns ：Dutch photographer Paul Brouns is fascinated by the interplay between reality registration and geometric abstraction, capturing urban architecture. Another reality emerges from his carefully edited images, inviting the viewer into Paul’s world of geometry, rhythm and color. Paul was attracted to abstract architectural elements, such as the rhythm of the windows and the color of the surfaces, and Paul photographed isolated parts and features of the building. Focusing on the light and detail that is presented when photographed, each image provides different features of these architectural structures.

The characteristics of these photos are:
The first is geometry, the design of the buildings photographed by the photographer is full of repetitive and regular patterns and vertical lines, forming a strong geometric pattern, and all are angular. The second is the light and shadow effect, where the photographer captures the light creating a clear shadow on the surface of the building. The third is simplicity, the shooting style is very simple. The fourth is perspective, by photographing the height of the entire building, the photographer uses perspective principle, using a macro perspective to photograph the building, making the building look taller and grander. This perspective also emphasizes the vertical lines of the building and the repeated arrangement of objects. The fifth is abstraction, where the photographer simplifies the building into a series of basic geometries, such as straight lines, curves, and rectangles, creating a highly abstracted visual effect. This technique helps the audience to focus on the form itself rather than on specific objects.
The features of these photos are basically the same. For example, the first and second photos contain square geometry, the third and fourth photos contain circular elements, and the shooting style is to highlight the regularity and geometric pattern of the object. These photographs show abstraction in several ways: instead of photographing the whole of the building, the part of the building, the photographer looks for the regular geometric patterns of the parts. Capture objects that don’t seem to exist in the real world. Photographers cleverly use light and shadow to enhance the depth and dimension of the image. Both day and night, they found the best angle to capture the most compelling light and shadow effects. The color combination of the pictures captured by the photographer is also very common, and it is a very contrasting color. Although these are actual buildings, by choosing specific angles and cutting methods, the photographer transforms them into more artistic works.

I like this unique style of photography because the photographer takes pictures of seemingly ordinary buildings with his own angles and techniques into regular and artistic works. These photographs usually have a minimalist aesthetic, contain only the necessary elements, and have no excess decorations or distractions.
Many photos emphasize the geometry of buildings and other objects, such as straight lines, curves, circles, etc. These shapes create interesting proportional relationships and visual rhythms. I love the good composition that makes the photos look balanced.

https://www.riseart.com/art/160875/blue-fugue-by-paul-brouns

https://www.riseart.com/art/158533/palace-of-hidden-desires-by-paul-brouns-1

https://www.riseart.com/art/156936/prism-of-perspectives-i-by-paul-brouns

https://www.riseart.com/art/149634/clouded-clarity-by-paul-brouns

https://www.riseart.com/art/154716/encompassing-space-by-paul-brouns

https://www.riseart.com/art/154714/breath-of-life-by-paul-brouns

https://www.riseart.com/art/147071/moma-labyrinth-by-paul-brouns

https://www.riseart.com/art/149665/heart-of-gold-by-paul-brouns

Connection to my vision：I chose this photographer because I liked his unique abstract style of photographing buildings, and I was interested in photographing buildings, so I chose this type of photographer. Because the theme I chose was to photograph the multifaceted nature of buildings in my life and have objects that represent culture, including geometry that I would also photograph, this fits my idea. I will learn the photographic style of this photographer, using different compositions and angles to photograph buildings or objects that represent cultural or storytelling. I was inspired by how this photographer photographed buildings with regular geometric patterns, as I used to photograph the buildings themselves, but now I know how to explore the other side from different angles.

Evaluation of one of their photos： 

I chose this photo because there‘s different shapes from other photos and it’s unique. The most striking formal element in this photo is: repetition. The image is characterized by repeated patterns of geometry and lines in the building, which not only emphasizes the symmetry and complexity of the building, but also creates a sense of depth and scale that makes the space appear spacious and complex. At first, it seems irregular, but it is actually made up of a lot of graphics. What surprised me about this picture was the unique perspective it had when it was taken. The image captures an upward view of a large atrium with a complex geometric glass ceiling, creating an illusion of depth and openness. The combination of natural light filtered through the glass and repeated patterns of windows on the surrounding walls makes it almost feel like looking up at the sky through a giant kaleidoscope. An important formal element in this photo is: the line. The intricate network of lines formed by structural beams and windows creates a visually dizzying pattern that guides the viewer’s eyes through the image. These lines not only emphasize the architectural beauty of the building, but also add depth and perspective, which can only be composed of countless lines.

Work cited：

Brouns, Paul. “Paul Brouns.” Rise Art, www.riseart.com/artist/124095/paul-brouns?page=2. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

All of my photos

“Yellow ”photos：

I chose these as “yellow” photos because they fit my theme and are the most representative, mostly buildings, and fit my theme of taking geometric patterns in buildings. There are also different stories or backgrounds behind these buildings. For example, the steam pipeline I photographed was built in 1953 for thermal transportation, and Furnace Square has a history of producing the first gas crack in the former state-owned 751. Including the train I photographed in the train block, which used to be a special line for transporting materials to the coal plant at Plant 751. There are also some of the museums I photographed outside the building, there are many windows and graphics, such design itself is an abstraction, including the design of the exterior and the designer’s own concept and cultural background. Used when I photographed buildings from different angles to make them look abstract. Mainly using focusing to photograph objects, I chose to cool and dark tones to make the buildings look mysterious and melancholy.

“Green ”photos：

The photos I chose together show the architectural landscape. In the composition, I used different angles and perspectives, with back-to-back, top-to-top and head-to-head shots, so that each photo looks abstract. I also pay attention to detail, creating a rich sense of hierarchy and volume through careful selection and arrangement of lines, shapes and textures. I also make the effect of light and shadow, increasing the contrast between objects. I also adjust the overall tone of the picture by controlling exposure and color saturation to give it a cold and calm industrial style.

Evaluation of 1 “red” images:

I chose this as the “red” photo because it is the most consistent and well-taken photo of my abstract architecture among many works. This photo contains a lot of geometric elements, arcs, squares including many angles. It is a very abstract and special building with blue windows and light and shadow, which adds a little color contrast. I actually used several different angles when I was shooting the building, including capturing the rest of the building, because the building wasn’t as small as this picture showed, I just captured a small part of it. But in the end I chose this one from a positive angle because I think it’s the best composition.

Here’s why I chose this photo and my understanding: this photo uses symmetrical composition, the central arch divides the picture into two parts, forming a balanced and harmonious visual effect. There is a part of the sculpture in the foreground, which adds a sense of hierarchy to the picture and forms a contrast between the foreground and the background. The arc line of the arch and the straight line of the upper window form a strong contrast, and it has achieved the function of using the wire. The bright blue glass windows in the photo create a sharp contrast and contrast with the gray walls, enhancing the visual impact of the picture. The overall tone is biased toward gray-blue, and this cold tone gives people a sense of tranquility. Finally, this picture has no unnecessary clutter and is a simple and abstract style photo.

The area I need to improve on my next shot is to use more shooting techniques, such as making images appear false. Then photograph more different elements, and this time the architectural style is too similar. I will do more research and research on photography for the next shoot, so that I can understand the techniques in photography and how to make a good picture.

Abstract photography can be defined as capturing images in which the subject isn’t the most interesting element. Albert Renger-Patzsch and Aaron Siskind photographed the ordinary to reveal their beauty. Uta Barth reversed the typical use of the camera, shooting out of focus and Andreas Gursky photographs the repetition of elements. During this unit, you will investigate appropriate examples of abstract photography and respond in your own way.

Abstract photography is about finding beauty and capturing it in the abstract. It is possible to have some blurriness when taking less clear photos. Or capturing the quirky in the details of things in nature.

Formal elements are design elements that all image makers should be aware of when considering image compositions. They can often make up the primary visual features of a frame and, when applied, have the potential to transform simple subjects into fantastic shots.

1. Line: –  Lines are visual paths that can be actual or implicit. They can be straight, curved, diagonal, horizontal or vertical.
2. Shape-  A shape is a two-dimensional region defined by a change in line or color or texture. They can be geometric shapes (circles, squares, triangles) or organic shapes (irregular, flowing forms). Geometry conveys a sense of order, structure, and balance. It is common in architectural and urban photography.
3. Patterns are repetitions of elements such as shapes, colors, or textures that create consistent and predictable designs. Repeat: Create a sense of rhythm and harmony. Patterns can be found in artificial structures (such as tiles, tiles, or windows) and in nature (such as trees or ripples in the water).
4. Texture refers to the surface quality of an object, which can be smooth, rough, soft, hard, etc. It is often emphasized by the interaction of light and shadow. Side lighting: Create shadows using side lighting to highlight textures and make them more visible and tactile.
5. Tone/Value: Tone or value refers to the brightness or darkness of a color. This is crucial for creating contrast, depth, and emotion in photos.
6. Focus: focus refers to the sharpness or clarity of the subject in the photograph. It can be used to direct the audience’s attention and create a sense of depth.

Example images of Line, shape, pattern, texture, tone, focus:

Images can display several elements at a time, such as these examples, some of which together show line and shape and tone. These elements can be displayed together in an image.

The photographer seems interested in capturing several elements that highlight different aspects of form and texture. Contrast and texture: Photographers seem to focus on contrasting textures and surfaces. For example, the glossy surface contrasts sharply with the rough fiber texture of cabbage leaves. Similarly, the intricate spiral pattern of the Nautilus shell stands out in a more homogeneous pattern of onions and dunes.
Forms and shapes: Emphasis is placed on various forms and shapes. Curves and lines in pepper, geometric patterns in onions, organic shapes of shells and rocks all have forms. The use of light and shadow plays an important role in these images. The interaction between light and shade enhances the depth and dimension of each theme. I think the appropriate title might be “The form and Light in objects”. This title reflects the photographer’s interest in capturing different shapes and textures of different subjects in different lighting conditions. The single color reflects the play of light and shadow.

The image features a series of black-and-white photographs showcasing various objects and scenes.

Line:
Cabbage Leaf (1931): The lines in the cabbage leaf are soft and flowing, creating a sense of movement.
Pepper No. 30 (1930): The lines here are bold and curved, emphasizing the form of the pepper.
Dunes, Oceano (1936): The lines in the sand dunes are long and sweeping
Nautilus: The lines follow the natural spiral of the shell
Onion Halved (1930): The lines are concentric circles, showing the layers of the onion.
Excusado (Toilet) (1925): The lines are straight and angular, reflecting the structure of the toilet.
Shell and Rocks Arranged (1931): The lines are softer and more organic, blending into the background.
Shell (1927): The lines follow the curve of the shell, highlighting its shape.

Shape:
Cabbage Leaf: The overall shape is irregular and organic.
Pepper No. 30: The shape is rounded and bulbous.
Dunes, Oceano: The shapes are large and expansive, covering much of the frame.
Nautilus: The shape follows the natural spiral of the shell.
Onion Halved: The shape is circular when viewed from above.
Excusado (Toilet): The shape is rectangular with some curves.
Shell and Rocks Arranged: The shapes are organic and blend together.
Shell: The shape is elongated and curved.

Pattern:
Cabbage Leaf: The pattern is random and organic.
Pepper No. 30: The pattern is created by the folds and creases in the pepper.
Dunes, Oceano: The pattern is linear and repetitive.
Nautilus: The pattern is symmetrical and follows the spiral.
Onion Halved: The pattern is concentric circles.
Excusado (Toilet): The pattern is minimalistic and functional.
Shell and Rocks Arranged: The pattern is random and natural.
Shell: The pattern is symmetrical and follows the spiral.

Texture:
Cabbage Leaf: The texture appears soft and delicate.
Pepper No. 30: The texture looks smooth and shiny.
Dunes, Oceano: The texture is rough and granular.
Nautilus: The texture is smooth and polished.
Onion Halved: The texture is layered and fibrous.
Excusado (Toilet): The texture is smooth and clean.
Shell and Rocks Arranged: The texture varies depending on the rock type.
Shell: The texture is smooth and slightly ridged.

Tone:
– All images are in black and white, so they rely heavily on tones ranging from deep blacks to bright whites, with various shades of gray in between. This creates contrast and depth in the images.

Focus:
– Each image has a clear focal point, whether it’s the entire object or specific details within the object. The focus draws the viewer’s attention to the main subject while keeping other elements less prominent.

Work cited:

“7 Formal Elements of Photography.” *Kim Farrand Photography*, Kim Farrand, <https://kimfarrandphotography.com/7-formal-elements-of-photography/>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“Horizontal Lines in Photography.” *Photography Axis*, <https://www.photographyaxis.com/wp-content/uploads/Horizontal-Lines-in-Photography-650×433.jpg>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“Image from Bing.” *Bing Images*, <https://tse4-mm.cn.bing.net/th/id/OIP-C.juawloTcKIAuA2VGCYmLawAAAA?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“GuruShots Photo.” *GuruShots*, <https://photos.gurushots.com/unsafe/855×0/e5af4f211833ad6f9b91f4e082119828/3_8ea446e7acb591ae00bbcfbbc6689215.jpg>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“Rock Image from MIT.” *MIT People*, Soonmin Bae, <https://ts1.cn.mm.bing.net/th/id/R-C.2afebc0725a2aacbc127d5dfabdaa080?rik=29d8%2fgzhfhanTg&riu=http%3a%2f%2fpeople.csail.mit.edu%2fsoonmin%2fphotolook%2frock_result.png&ehk=JVrtumkCPIDhjgKhSbr6RS7YP%2bYe62RZIESIza62WdQ%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“Dandelion Shallow DOF Close to Subject.” *Discover Digital Photography*, <https://static1.discoverdigitalphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/selective-focus-photography-tips/640px/dandelion-shallow-dof-close-to-subject.jpg>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024

• Pictorialism is an approach to photography that emphasizes beauty of subject matter, tonality, and composition rather than the documentation of reality.  Pictorialism had its roots in England until 1890 when the centre shifted to New York. And the movement strove to elevate photography to the same level as painting.

Straight photography movement it refers to a clear focus, intense contrast and direct style, photography in which the scene is depicted in clear focus and very detailed detail. As a black-and-white medium, photography is in line with the modernist tendency to view the world as an abstract form. There are a few characteristic of straight photography and pictorialist that can show the differences between them.  For the key characteristic of pictorialism: photographs look like paintings and sketches. highly romantic scenery, Fable painting influences paintingism, and take a look at the stories/metaphor characters in the landscape and tell us how to live our lives – as taught by the audience. And the methods or process is experimenting with chemicals in the dark room, and placing Vaseline on the lens. The time period of pictorialism is 1880s-1920s. For the key characteristic of straight photography: creating photographs which retaliate with pictorialism, and shows real life; creating detailed, shape, images; capturing the world we live in, bringing up issues within society during that time period; social reform – thought their images could impact and change the lives of the subject, and this influenced the movement of photo journalism and documentary photography. It was emerged in 1840. The methods or process are capturing the world how it is, and using the original processes of photography to produce sharp, detailed outcomes.

Straight photography emphasizes and engages with the camera’s own technical capability to produce images sharp in focus and rich in detail. In Mexico, Edward Weston started to sharpen the straight photography way of taking pictures that he had begun to develop before his trip to New York. Siskind turned the medium of photography on its head, taking pictures of found objects that were simultaneously true-to-life and abstract; he was one of the first photographers to combine what was known as “straight” photography (recording the real world as the lens “sees” it) with abstraction. Siskind photographed recognizable places and things in ways that created a new means of communicating ideas, feelings, and perspectives on life and history. His innovation earned him a major place in the history of photography. Edward Weston is known for his precise and detailed photographs that highlight the form and texture of the subject, often using large format cameras to achieve extremely high resolution and clarity. His works, such as close-up studies of chili peppers, shells and landscapes, embody the ideals of direct photography by focusing on the fundamental abstract forms found in nature and objects. Weston’s method of photography reveals the nature of things in order to present a clear, pure view of the world. Aaron Siskind, on the other hand, takes it in a more abstract direction while adhering to the principles of linear photography. Known especially for his exploration of surfaces and textures, Siskind’s work bridges the gap between realism and abstraction, but remains rooted in the real tangible world.

Andreas Gursky and Uta Barth are both contemporary photographers whose work can be described as having abstract qualities, but their methods and ways of implementing abstraction are different.
Andreas Gursky often uses digital manipulation to create images that, while based on reality, have almost super-realistic quality. The abstractions in his work derive from his flattening of perspectives, distorting scales, and composing his themes (usually huge landscapes, interiors, or crowds) in a way that emphasizes patterns, colors, and textures. Gursky’s work does not fit neatly into the category of straight photography, as it involves significant post-production work. The ways he has chosen to use digital technology have led to an even greater emphasis on the abstract elements of his work. Gursky maximizes the visual weight of patterns, colors, lines, and repetitive groupings of forms. He can be classified a pirctorialist,
Bas’s work is characterized by a subtle exploration of light, space, and the behavior of observation. She often focuses on peripheral, fuzzy, and out-of-focus areas, drawing attention to overlooked aspects of everyday life. Uta Barth produces photographs that give the impression that the image is out of focus because the camera’s attention is elsewhere, and blur the focus of the camera to create images that destabilize the viewer ‘s expectation of a photograph. Her photographs challenge the viewer’s expectations that the photograph should capture, creating abstract compositions that emphasize transient and ephemeral nature. The abstractions in her work come from the game of light and shadow, the downplay of the subject, and the emphasis on the photographic medium itself. Barth’s approach is also not easily classified as paintingism or direct photography. While she may use techniques that recall the aesthetics of painting, such as soft focus, her work is more about the nature of visual experience and visual perception than creating a beautiful, idealized image. In short, Andreas Gursky and Uta Barth both created abstract images, but by different means and with different intentions.

Edward Weston：

Andreas gursky：

Aaron Siskind:

Uta Barth:

Work cited:

Britannica:
– “Pictorialism.” *Encyclopædia Britannica*, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/technology/Pictorialism. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

LibreTexts:
– “Photography: From Pictorialism to Straight.” *American Encounters: Art History and Cultural Identity*, LibreTexts, human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Art/American_Encounters%3A_Art_History_and_Cultural_Identity_(Miller_Berlo_Wolf_and_Roberts)/04%3A_Late_Colonial_Encounters-_The_New_World_Africa_Asia_and_Europe_1735-1797/12%3A_The_Arts_Confront_the_New_Century-_Renewal_and_Continuity_1900-1920/12.03%3A_Photography-_From_Pictorialism_to_Straight. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

Holden Luntz Gallery:
– “Edward Weston.” *Holden Luntz Gallery*, www.holdenluntz.com/artists/edward-weston/. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

The Broad:
– “Andreas Gursky: 99 Cent.” *The Broad*, www.thebroad.org/art/andreas-gursky/99-cent. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

– “Aaron Siskind, Chicago, 1948.” *Christie’s*, www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2012/NYR/2012_NYR_02586_0202_000(aaron_siskind_chicago_1948).jpg. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

– “Banner Image for Uta Barth Exhibition.” *J. Paul Getty Museum*, www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/barth/images/banner.jpg. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

Abstract photography：

Abstract photography is a type that emphasizes shapes, colors, forms, and textures rather than expressing what the real world looks like. Emphasis is placed on the artistic and emotional aspects of the subject, primarily creating images that elicit thought or evoke emotion without a clear narrative. By using techniques such as blurring, close-ups and unusual angles, abstract photography encourages the viewer to interpret images in their own way, highlighting the subjective nature of perception.