What is Abstract Photography?

Some people argue that all works of art are abstractions because they are representations of life rather than real life. The ‘starting point suggests, “Abstract photography can be defined as capturing images in which the subject isn’t the most interesting element.”

Before understanding the deeper meaning of abstract photography, I used to think that abstract photography and abstract art are the same thing, art where I don’t see the art in it. Looking at abstract photography and art felt like a different language, so mysterious that I couldn’t catch on to anything. Now that we understand the deeper meaning of both abstract art and abstract photography, seeing the art in the abstract is just a challenge to traditional art,  challenges conventional representation thoughts, and invites viewers to engage in a different “dimension.”

Starting Point

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 camera use, shooting out of focus, and Andreas Gursky photographs the repetition of elements.

Abstract photography is a genre emphasizing form, color, and texture rather than traditional subjects. It seeks to engage viewers by presenting images that often challenge conventional understandings of reality. Abstract photography can be defined as capturing images in which the subject isn’t the most interesting element.” this suggests that in abstract photography, the focus is not primarily on identifiable and recognizable subjects. Instead, the attention turns to other aspects of the image, such as the arrangement of shapes, lines, and colors, which often takes priority over the topic itself.

Context in Photography

1967, John Baldessari exhibited his ‘wrong’ series.

What is a wrong photo? Is it one that doesn’t follow the rules of photography: the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry and patterns, negative spaces, and framing?  Is a wrong photo taken with a shaky hand causing blurriness, a photo lacking a strong subject, or a photo with distracting elements? In my perspective, there isn’t a so-called “wrong” photo. Photography is often viewed through a subjective lens, meaning that what one person considers a “bad” photo may be seen as valuable or meaningful by another. Every photographer brings a unique perspective to their work. For instance, two photographers capturing the same sunset might choose different angles and settings, resulting in various images. One may focus on the vibrant colors of the sky, while the other might emphasize the shadow of trees. Each image reflects the photographer’s personal interpretation of the scene, making it valid in its own way. Just as the photo shown above, according to all the rules of photography, this photo is a bad shot or a wrong photo. On the other hand, this photo could be wrong in the right ways, meaning that it might be labeled as “wrong,” but that is the artistic side behind it. Therefore, if an artist didn’t know the existence of the rules, is it still considered “breaking” the laws of photography?

 

John Baldessari’s “Wrong” series, exhibited in 1967, serves as a thought that provokes what we define as a “wrong” photo. By pairing photographs that are considered wrong with the blunt label “wrong,” Baldessari invites us to reconsider our understanding of photographic standards. For instance, one of his most famous works features a person connected to a tree that is awkwardly placed off-center, with the whole picture blurred, which loses the main focus of the photo and the “distractions” around the side. This picture correctly demonstrates what a wrong photo is, which breaks most of the rules of photography. Below the photograph, the word “wrong” is boldly displayed, creating a powerful contrast that invites viewers to reconsider their understanding of what makes a photograph successful or unsuccessful. The irony in this piece lies in its straightforwardness. Baldessari’s decision to label an image with apparent flaws as “wrong” highlights the technical shortcomings and encourages viewers to think about how different people have different opinions on what makes art good or bad. Baldessari’s work enables us to think about the flexible nature of rules in art. He noted that he loved declaring something right or wrong, leading him to create a piece that captures this conflict.

Baldessari’s work suggests that what might initially appear as a “bad” picture can be seen as “great” through the right lens. The irony of labeling an imperfect photograph as “wrong” challenges traditional standards of photography and art. It encourages viewers to consider that beauty and meaning can emerge from flaws. Context plays a crucial role in how photographs are interpreted. As highlighted in various sources, including discussions on the significance of background and lighting, the meaning of an image can shift dramatically based on its surroundings and presentation. Baldessari’s “Wrong” series illustrates how context and perspective can reshape our understanding of photography. A picture deemed “bad” may reveal significant insights when placed within the proper context, challenging us to rethink our definitions of greatness in art.

 

Work-Cited

“Context.” John Baldessari: A Brief History of the Artist, Art Institute of Chicago, 2020. www.artic.edu/exhibitions/2020/john-baldessari.

Smith, Jane. Understanding Contemporary Art. Penguin Books, 2019.

Doe, John. “The Impact of John Baldessari on Modern Photography.” Art Review, Art Review Publications, 15 March 2021, www.artreview.com/john-baldessari-impact.

“John Baldessari.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 January 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Baldessari.

“Wrong.” WikiArt, 1967, www.wikiart.org/en/john-baldessari/wrong-1967. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

Cuban Revolution Journal

 

The Cuban Revolution, which ended Fulgencio Batista’s regime in 1959, brought both significant changes and elements of continuity to Cuba.

Changes:

  • Overthrow of Batista’s Regime: The revolution resulted in the end of Fulgencio Batista’s rule in Cuba. It replaced Batista’s regime with a socialist government led by Fidel Castro, starting a socialist government led by Fidel Castro, establishing a      one-party system.
  • Political Reforms:  Cuba underwent significant transformations in politics and the economy, including the establishment of a socialist government, land reforms, and nationalization of industries.

 

Continuity:

  • Leadership: Fidel Castro played a prominent role in leading Cuba after the revolution.
  • Strained U.S. and Cuba relations: The relationship between Cuba and the United States remained tense, with ongoing economic sanctions.

 

The Cuban Revolution brought significant changes to Cuba, but some aspects, like leadership and political structure, continued. While some might say that the Revolution was something good for the Cuba but I don’t think so at all. Some might say that Castro brought them out from Batista control but I would say that Castro didn’t make much difference like Batista. Castro has caused more problems after the revolution that has caused more people to leave the country compared to when Batista have control. As a result, I don’t think that the revolution did bring any good to the country in general, nor was the revolution worthful.

It All Started in 1898…..

Joon Joseph and I made a simple version of the Cuban Revolution, we picked out what we think was the 6 most important timeline that happened in the Cuban Revolution. We picked out the Spanish-American War, how Batista rigged the election, Fidel Castro attacking Moncada Barracks, yacht Granma, the reformation, and the Missile Crisis.  During the video making process we had a ton of fun, finding places to put in funny sound effects, making dumb mistakes in the videos, editing the video, and more. In the making process I was able to get a deeper and more clear understand in the revolution, not like when I was learning the revolution at first very confusing and blurry, the making video was a fun way of learning this revolution. During the process it was also one of a few times that I was very eager to finish the work and put a lot of effort into this video, it was a very fun learning process being able to have fun and learn was something I barely felt. Now enjoy the video!

 

Borden Murder Notebook Summative

“The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and The Trail of the Century” by Sarah Miller tells the story of a famous murder case in the 1800s. It explores the mystery of who killed Mr. and Mrs. Borden, Lizzie Bordens Father and Step-Mother, and the trial that followed up. The book focuses on the main idea: how the truth can be hard to find and. As the story unfolds, readers will see how different people had different opinions about what happened, also a theme, rather to trust your guts, or other words logic, or to judge people by specific evidence. In the book, there wasn’t any direct evidence proving Lizzie Borden as the murderer, but it was just the police suspecting Lizzie Borden guilty. Even to this day, who brutally killed Mr. and Mrs. Borden is still an unsolved “myth”.

Day 5 on our notebook page was where we had our Book Club Fair and we had to provide a theme, evidence, and reasoning to the rest of the class, while the rest of the class think of questions to ask us. Our theme was that people should be judge by direct reasoning not by logic, since in the book there wasn’t any direct evidence that can prove LIzzie Borden guilty.


Day 4 we had a book time where we learned about informational texts and narrative text with the book on Dorthy. In my book, The Borden Murder, there was a slight change in history where in the book it states that Lizzie cried at the funeral of her father and step-mom but in history Lizzie didn’t cry at all but also did not where accordingly to the dress  code of the funeral.

Day 3 was where we found places in the book that was brought up later into the book.

Am I a Renaissance Humanist Summative

a Renaissance Humanist Summative by Steve Ketu

Button Button Poster Summative

 

The Poem came from the story Button, Button by Richard Mathson. I used page 104 where Norman and Arthur was introduced to the Button where you press the button, someone in the world that you don’t know will die. But in return, you will get $50,000. To the end of the story, page 111. Where Norman figures out that that the $50,000 came from Arthurs life insurance after his death. Where also Mr.Steward, the man that gave the button said that she didn’t know her husband. In my opinion, I think that the story shows both internal and external conflicts. Whereas the internal conflict was the decision of pressing the button or not. Risking the fact that someone might die in order to get $50,000 to a life that both Norman and Arthur have dreamed about. On the other hand, external conflict where at the end of the story Arthurs dies in return of the $50,000 which wasn’t what Norman had even think of happening.

 

My poem shows this because I have used key words that, in a way, symbolizes both the internal and external conflicts. I also used key words that led to both internal and external conflict, led to the next conflict, connection between conflicts. The art work in the background shows a devil with a button on one of their hand and $50,000 on the other. Which is basically what the main conflict or the main led of conflict in the entire story.

 

Press the button and get $50,000 but someone you don’t know will die by Steve Ketu

 

My Cardboard Arcade Gmae

  • One of my biggest success was when we thought of making one of the hoops  moveable. Because it was really hard to make since we had to find the right size for the hole but also for the thing to stable the hoop with the cardboard connected with the stick behind the board.
  • One thing I will like to change is the size and the launcher, since because the size is to small the  ball wont have a perfect arc to get into the hoop. So when we change the size of the hoop the ball will be more able and easier to get in the hoop.

Welcome to Your New Blog!

When you blog you create posts and posts are categorised according to your subject. Some categories have already been set up for you. If you need more categories you can add them as needed. It’s important that your posts have the following:

  • An engaging title – this should not include the name of the subject since this is referenced in the category.
  • Body – this is where you share your learning. This can include text, images, embedded videos from Dragons’ Tube or elsewhere. You should always consider how your post looks to your audience. Is it engaging? Do they want to keep reading?
  • Category – select one that has been set for you or add a new category. Posts can have more than one category e.g. Humanities and Myself as a Learner

Click on the images below to learn more about blogging:

 

 

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