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.

As for my initial thoughts about the unit, I believe that this lesson is going to be a great and fun lesson. This is because I have never had a lesson or a class related to abstract art before. I think that this lesson could open my eyes and help me view art even though it might be “wrong”, in a new way. As for my thoughts on the first sentence of the starting point, I think it means using different elements other than the subject to make the artwork come to life. The definition of abstract art is an art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead uses shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect. Examples of an abstract pieces of art can be found in the paintings of Picasso. One of his most famous paintings: Guernica, painted in 1937,  “shows the tragedies of war and the suffering it inflicts upon individuals, particularly innocent civilians. This work has gained a monumental status, becoming a perpetual reminder of the tragedies of war, an anti-war symbol, and an embodiment of peace.” (Guernica, 1937 by Pablo Picasso). As I observed the painting, I recognized that the painting rather than using a clear and interesting subject to convey a message, uses many different elements such as people and animals of diverse shapes and sizes all around the painting to make a statement. To conclude, I think that the sentence: “Abstract photography can be defined as capturing images in which the subject isn’t the most interesting element” means this. Abstract photography rather than making the subject interesting, uses other elements around the photograph to make the subject more interesting or inhance the quality of the overall photo.