Abstraction in photography

The Pictorialism Movement in photography was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Photographers in this movement wanted their photos to look like paintings or drawings. They often used soft focus, special filters, and effects to create mood and emotion. The goal was to make photography an art form like painting, rather than just capturing reality. Straight Photography started as a reaction against Pictorialism. Photographers in this movement focused on sharp, clear images that showed details exactly as they were. They didn’t want to manipulate photos to look like art, but instead wanted to celebrate the camera’s ability to capture reality. Straight photography was popular because it showed the true nature of objects and scenes, making photos more honest and direct.

Petrocelli, Joseph: The Curb Market – New York

Edward Weston and Aaron Siskind were influenced by Straight Photography because their photos show clear, sharp details of everyday objects.

Andreas Gursky and Uta Barth create abstract photos because they focus on shapes, colors, and patterns rather than clear subjects. Their work can’t be classified as Pictorialist because they don’t use soft focus or painterly effects. They aren’t strictly Straight photographers either because their photos play with perception and abstraction, blending real-life elements in creative ways.