Abstract art is uniquely modern. It is a fundamentally romantic response to modern life – rebellious, individualistic, unconventional, sensitive, irritable. ~Robert Motherwell
This week we invite you to break the rules and go beyond the traditional realistic image of an object, scene, or element. For Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #74, we are going “Abstract.”
An abstract image creates a sense of mystery because it goes beyond what we normally see in the real world. It makes viewers ask questions and use their imagination.
Here’s an example: What is it?
Chihuly Glass with Topaz Filter Effects
This looks like a ball of fire, but in fact, it’s glass. This huge monumental sculpture on display at Kew Gardens in London was created by the artist Dale Chihuly. I added a filter effect to highlight the twisting, curling pieces of glass and the bold colors.
Even abstract shapes must have a likeness.~Willem de Kooning
Here’s another image: Where was this shot taken?
In the Gallery, New York, NY
At first glance, this photo may seem mysterious. It’s filled with long colored panels and geometric shapes. In fact, this image was shot in an art gallery in New York. If you look closely, you can see the security guard and 2 visitors standing by a window in the background.
Abstraction didn’t have to be limited to a kind of rectilinear geometry or even a simple curve geometry… In other words, you could tell a story with the shapes. ~Frank Stella
Here’s my next shot: What do you see?
The Grace Building Abstract, New York, NY
Do you see rectangles within rectangles? Or skyscrapers? Or both? This is what went through my mind one day when I was standing in front of the Grace Building in Manhattan. I shot this image looking up at the building. It was a dizzying view.
Abstract shapes are present in architecture, but also in nature–as you can see here in this shot of cactii. Sometimes when you get close to an object, you can see a new world of abstract shapes and designs.
Cacti, Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI
This week’s challenge is your chance to break all the rules and go “Abstract.” Feel free to go beyond the traditional realistic image of an object, scene, or element. Take a photo of anything that catches your eye and allows you to express your artistic view of the world. You can also focus on details which are normally ignored and make your viewers use their imaginations. In your post, include a link to this post. (Links from the Reader are not working correctly.) Use the Lens-Artists tag to help us find you. For instructions on how to join us, click here.
Thanks to all of you who participated in Tina’s “Cold” challenge last week. After reading all your posts, I needed to put on a sweater!
Have You Seen These?
- Abrie of Abrie Dink Hardop shares his memorable experiences of snow in South Africa.
- Xenia Tran highlights the beauty of hoarfrost.
- Dianne of Rambling Ranger shares her thoughts on the cold in remote McCarthy, Alaska.
We also send our heartfelt wishes to Deb Whitman of Twenty Four and all our Australian blogger friends who have experienced weeks of brutal fires that are ravaging vast areas in the Australian Outback. We hope the rains will come soon and bring an end to the destruction.
PLEASE NOTE: Because Ann-Christine is traveling, Tina will host next week’s challenge #75 at Travels and Trifles.
As always, Amy, Tina, Ann-Christine, and I thank you for your continued support of our photo challenge.
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
I believe I saw that Kew Gardens display during recent visit while I was in London long ago. But I saw it during daylight and your after dark photo definitely makes it looks better.
Hi, Chava. We saw it in October. The display at night was beautiful. We had to buy the tickets far in advance! I’m glad you saw it, too.
Love it! I’m on it!
Wonderful, Pam. I’m looking forward to your post!
Oooh. Looks like a fun topic. Let the games begin!
P.S. I have lots of Chihuly, should I need it.
His work is marvelous, isn’t it?
Great, John! I’m looking forward to seeing your interpretation. 🙂
really nice: https://solaner.wordpress.com/2019/11/30/lens-artists-photo-challenge-74-abstract/
I love the bokeh, Solaner!
thanks, Patti 🙂
Chihuly is the most beautiful form of abstract, Patti. 🙂 🙂 I’m looking around my front room with interest! Wishing you a great week ahead.
Glad this theme has you searching for potential shots, Jo! I hope you join us. Chihuly was stunning. The size of the works and the colors were amazing.
Excellent pictures.
Thank you very much, Rabirius! I’m delighted.
Here’s mine: http://chava61photography.photo.blog/2019/11/30/lens-artists-photo-challenge-74-abstract/
Great choice, Chava! I love it.
Abstract as with all art is open to interpretation. I was going for a normal shot of apples when I saw the bad one. For me the meaning of this photograph is so deep that I may never eat another apple again and I’ll only shoot the bad ones. https://photographyocd.com/2019/11/28/for-those-about-to-rot/
Really interesting, Mike. I think if you look closely at the shot, you see the abstract quality to it. The “bad one” reveals a lot–in terms of texture, color, shape…
Ah, this’ll have me trawling the archives!
Wonderful, Sue!
😊😊
An lovely challenge Patti and thank you so much for the mention! 🤗💖
You’re very welcome, Xenia! I hope you join us.
Thank you dear Patti, we were treated to a beautiful display by a migrating flock of greenshank this morning, forming natural abstract shapes in the sky above the water: https://tranature.com/2019/12/01/silent-sunday-a-dashing-display/
It is a gorgeous display, Xenia. I enjoyed your shots very much.
Thank you kindly dear Patti 🙂💜 xxx
What a fun and challenging theme, Patti!
Great selections. Each image shows how we can break the rules and go “Abstract”. Love it! 🙂
Thank you, Amy! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s posts. It is a challenge, but rewarding, too.
A very interesting challenge Patti, can’t wait to see the responses. Of this set I especially liked your shot of the art gallery
Hi, Tina. This topic was a bit of a stretch for me and takes my shots in a new direction. Glad you like the art gallery shot. I’m looking forward to the responses, too.
A stretch now and then is good for all of us Patti! Thanks for pushing us to greater creativity 😊
Hi, Tina. You’re welcome! I ended up pushing myself more than I expected!!
I’m a big fan of museum and gallery shots so that appeals and your vertical shot of the high rise is very cool. Fun set, Patti.
Thank you so much, Jane. I truly appreciate your thoughts. The high rise made me dizzy! I love your gallery shots and often think you when I’m shooting there. 🙂
That’s so nice. I remember our gallery shot discussions. Such fun to be on the hunt in museums. 🙂
great selection with different view of abstract.
Hi, Klara. Glad you stopped by! I wanted to show different kinds of abstracts. I’m glad that resonated with you.
I really connected with this article. Many of times when I’m waiting for someone or for time to pass, I will stare at something until its appearance seems to change. Really enjoyed your post. Will definitely take this challenge upon myself!
Hi and welcome, Emzlauer! I’m glad you’re joining us. It’s true–that sometimes objects/scenes morph as we look at them. Glad you enjoyed this.
That building almost looks bowed. That’s pretty cool.
Hi, Dawn. It had that optical illusion. It made me dizzy! Glad you like it.
Nice theme this week and your featured photos are nice and varied. I like the glass art – seems like it is floating and the color was nice.
Here is my link just in case
https://priorhouse.blog/2019/11/30/abstract-art-rorschach-paint-activity-lens-artists-photo-challenge-74/
Wonderful, Yvette. I’m glad you’re joining us. Glad you like the variety. The Chihuly was massive and gorgeous!
😊☀️
Very interesting topic!!!
And thank you, Patti, you’ve helped me with my next post, I didn’t know how to present the pile of photos I took in the Caves of the Drach (Mallorca)…
Wonderful, Ana! That’s great. I’m looking forward to seeing them.
I like the fireball but your last photo have opened avenues for me to be part of number 74.
Thanks Patti I really appreciate the mention of my previous post
You’re welcome, Abrie! Glad you’re joining us!
Hi Patti despite having spent quite a bit of time on this post I am not going to be able to finish it. Apologies
No worries, Abrie. I understand how life can interfere with our plans.
Great take on the challenge, Amy.
What a great challenge! And your examples are amazing. The building shot almost made me fall off my seat, and the cacti are so prickly!
Hi, Celia. That’s great! I’m so glad you like the challenge and the images. I almost fell over when I took the shot of the Grace Building!!
The cacti are a wonderful example of the geometric wonders of nature. Great theme to spark the imagination, Patti. <3
Great, Olga. I’m delighted you like this one!
Great choice of photos, and another enticing challenge. I shall be back.
Great, Tish. I’m so glad this one “spoke” to you!
Glad you joined us, Xenia. 🙂
I liked your photo of the cactus and the glass sculpture. Abstract art by nature and humans.
Here’s my contribution to the challenge: https://bendbranches.com/2019/12/01/tunnel-of-joy-in-bend-lapc/
Hi, Siobhan. Thanks! I’m so glad you like those shots. I’ll look at your post next. Glad you joined us!
I always find abstract interesting and these are great examples particularly the building and the cacti.
Thank you so much, MM. This challenge really required me to “stretch” into new territory. 🙂 🙂 Glad you enjoyed those shots.
Great subject for a challenge and nice photos!
Thank you so much, Tatiana. I really enjoyed your post. Great job. 🙂 🙂
Thanks 😊
Here is mine: http://www.travelways.com/abstract-photography-along-my-travels/
This was a hard topic for me. I love your photos, as always 😀
Here is my entry.
https://ceenphotography.com/2019/12/01/lens-artists-photo-challenge-74-abstract/
Thank you, Cee! I enjoyed your post as well. To tell you the truth, it was challenging for me, too. But I think I learned something from it. That’s always a good thing! 🙂
Very interesting challenge. I love these responses to the ‘abstract’.
Hi, Anne. I’m enjoying the responses, too. I hope you join us. I’d love to see a close up of a horse’s mane or eyelashes. (Hint, hint). 🙂
Ok Patti. I will get on that.😀
Great, if you have time, Anne!
Wow Patti. That glass could be anything. It’s stunning. And I love the way the sky scraper looms over you.
Nature is full of patterns that make quite abstract forms in close up. The cacti are a superb example of this.
Thanks for the challenge. Isn’t it wonderful how something new challenges our view of ourselves. I thought abstract art wasn’t for me but there have been some wonderful images posted that have changed my outlook, happily. 🙂
Hi, Wendy. Thank you! It’s very true what you say about abstract art. It surprised me that I like it, too. I’m really enjoying the responses and I’m getting great ideas at the same time. I hope you join us!
https://anjumwasimdar.wordpress.com/2019/12/02/for-lens-artist-photo-challenge-74-by-p-a-moed-abstract-from-kiawah-to-pakistan/
Hi Patti, love your piece on abstract art. My favorite is the Chihuly Glass one. Here’s the link to my ‘stuff’
https://studiotionghan.com/2019/12/01/abstract-lens-artists-photo-challenge-74-abstract/
Hi, Tiong. Thank you! Chihuly’s work is wonderful. I enjoyed looking at your site. I’m glad you joined the challenges, too. Welcome!
Great collection, Pam. 🙂
Thanks for this great challenge, Patti! I love abstractions!
It’s clear that you love abstractions, Angela. Your collection is fabulous.
I do! It’s my favorite genre! 😍
This is the most challenging challenge so far, and I do like a challenge 🙂 Great post and photos!
Hi, SV. I’m relieved you said that. It was really challenging for me, too! (Am I not supposed to admit that???). :). 🙂
Ooo good 🙂
I’m joining in for the first time. I loved the theme.
Here is my entry: https://uprootedwanderers.wordpress.com/2019/12/02/lens-artists-photo-challenge-74-abstract/
And… The introduction quote is very well chosen!
Welcome, Vero! We are glad you joined us. I enjoyed your abstracts. And thanks too for your kind words about this post. 🙂
Thank YOU!
A wonderful challenge, Patti – making us think and act again…so looking forward to seeing all responses as well. Your gallery is great! I especially adore the Chihuly. Wish I could have been there.
I wish you were there, too, Ann-Christine. I am looking forward to the day when we can meet and take photos together! The responses have been great. I think you would have enjoyed Chihuly. The show at night was terrific–with all the sculptures lit up.
Great response, yes, and some days left as well! Would love to see the same exhibition and indulge in the photography.
Yes, definitely, AC.
These are certainly wonderful abstracts, Patti. I specially loved the Grace Building snap 🙂
Glad you’re joining us, Hammad. I’m delighted you like my abstracts, too. It’s been a stretch for me, but I’m enjoying exploring this type of photography. I’ll look at your post next…
I’m not a huge fan of abstract art, but this week’s challenge has turned out to be so much fun. I love seeing everyone’s interpretations. Your choices are great!
Hi, Wendy. I am delighted with the interpretations, too. This has been a lot of fun. I enjoyed your abstracts, too. Great idea to focus on the ceiling abstract designs.
Hello again Patti, Eivor and Pearl’s contribution for this lovely challenge is here: https://whippetwisdom.com/2019/12/02/haibun-first-advent/
A beautiful post, Xenia. Glad you enjoyed this challenge!
Hello Patti, thanks for the wonderful theme.
Here is mine: https://www.f28iso100.com/2019/12/02/memory-without-the-details/
A great take on the theme, Smruti. I’m delighted you enjoyed it!
Lots of directions to go with this theme. Wonderful!
Hi, Sandy. I’m delighted that it got your creative “wheels” spinning!
What a great prompt. I enjoyed the way you have explored the possibilities in your photos. Here’s my take on it. Thank you for the inspiration – https://beinginnatureblog.wordpress.com/2019/12/03/abstracted-thoughts/
I’m delighted you enjoyed this, Suzanne. I also enjoyed your post!
So like your abstracts Patti 🙂
Thank you so much, Brian! I struggled a bit with this one, but I’m happy with my shots. 🙂
I love those cacti
Hi, IJ. Thanks so much. Look but don’t touch!! 🙂 🙂
Gorgeous, as always.
Hi, Sofia. Many thanks!! You made me smile, for sure.
Here’s some abstract contributions:
https://davidmsphotoblog.com/2019/12/03/lens-artists-photo-challenge-abstract/
You really rose to the challenge, David. Beautiful shots.
Oh, my favourite! Will be back soon with a post… 🙂
Wonderful, Katharine! I’m delighted that you’re going to join us.
Hi Patti. Here’s mine. https://odaciuk.wordpress.com/2019/12/03/abstract-realism-in-nature/
Hi, Olga. I love your choices for abstract this week.
The building photo in NYC is amazing – abstract and surreal at the same time. The details in your photos jump out. (the colors in the glass especially!). Great choice for a prompt 🙂
http://oneletterup.com/2019/12/03/abstract-afternoons
Thank you so much, OLU. I’m glad these shots gave you some good ideas!
You’re welcome!
Ciao Patti
Here is my entry !
https://wp.me/pjXOq-3gL
Max
Ciao, Max! Bene! Una foto bella.
I’m back!
https://tishfarrell.com/2019/12/03/abstracts-from-the-distracted-gardener-to-and-from-the-allotment/
I enjoyed your collection, Tish.
LOOOOVE the Challenge!
My pictures are of the street art in Spitalfields, East London, one of the most diverse and fascinating neighborhoods of my favorite city.
https://anthropologist.wordpress.com/2019/12/03/lens-artists-photo-challenge-74-abstract/
You picked a great spot for street art. I enjoyed your vibrant collection.
hi patti, a great selection for the week theme here is my contribution to the challenge, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-3lp.
greetings robert
Love your colourful abstract, Robert – but cannot find your comment page!
thank you a. c. very much for your comment, have the comment page opened in the classic editor always why not in the new editor.
greetings robert
I don’t know – hopefully it will open. Or contact the WP team!
Lovely collection, Robert!
Patti, this a another fun topic to explore! Love your pictures, especially Dale Chihuly’s glass ball, and enjoyed reading your comments and getting me to spend a little extra time thinking about Abstract Photography. Here is my post this week:
https://mycolorfulexpressions.com/lens-artists-photo-challenge-74-abstract/
Your collection is fabulous, Sylvia. I must try some of your experiments. Thanks too for your thoughts on my images!
Great challenge, Patti. It was great to try something new. I love your tall building photo. I feel like I want to topple over just looking at it.
Thanks, Tracy. I’m delighted you enjoyed this one. Doesn’t that building make you dizzy? I had to look away when I was editing it!
It’s vertigo city shall we say. 🙂
Great images, Patti 😁 Love the glass fire and the cacti! Here’s mine: https://jezbraithwaite.blog/2019/12/05/lens-artists-photo-challenge-74-abstract/
Thanks, Jez. You really “rose” to the challenge and posted a great collection.
Thanks, Patti 😁
Here is one more shot for this challenge that I took by accident… https://bendbranches.com/2019/12/05/an-accidental-abstract-lapc/
This is a great shot, Siobhan!
Here’s my collection of almost abstract beach views: https://beyondthewindowbox.wordpress.com/2019/12/06/almost-abstract-2/
Hi, Judith. Your beach abstracts are great! Glad you joined us!
I really like the bending building. It’s interesting to see what appears to normally be a straight building curving. Plays with perspective nicely.
Here’s mine for this one:
https://stupidityhole.wordpress.com/2019/12/06/sheet-lines/
Hi, SH. I’m glad you like that one. It still makes me dizzy to look at it! I’ll look at your post next.
Ooh…your choices are great. I’m fascinated with the different angles you’ve captured. And textures too. Abstract photography is playful to me. I love how you’ve encouraged us to play. I’m a little late to the party, better late than never right?! https://www.quaintrevival.com/how-to-capture-abstract-photos-with-christmas-lights/
What a fun holiday collection, Shelley! I’m glad you like my abstracts too. I agree that abstracts are playful. You really joined the spirit of the “game!”
Aw, thank you! Your prompt triggered moments to play instead of focusing on stress at this time of the year! Yippee :-)!
Inspiring! Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful! Thank you for your thoughts.
This year’s Chihuly exhibition at Kew was amazing, and what a great way to kick off your abstract post, Patti.
I have gone Kew too, but a more recent display: https://travelwithintent.com/2019/12/06/in-the-pink-3/
Wonderful, Debbie! I loved that exhibit–especially at night. I’ll look at your post next. Thanks for your kind thoughts!
A lovely theme. The Chihuly glass is fabulous. Although I occasionally edit my photos to create an abstract image (one example is this one https://cornwallincolours.wordpress.com/2019/08/07/poppies-at-pentire/) I am going for a more natural look using textures and shapes, except for one image which had the colours I liked, but not the sharpness. Post will be up tomorrow!
Hi, Jude. I’m glad you joined us! I’m glad you like Chihuly. I’ll take a look at your post next.
As is my usual way, these are all unedited shots (except cropping and light/dark adjustment). Thanks again for an inspiring introduction and theme!
https://lindylecoq.com/2019/12/06/lens-artists-photo-challenge-74-abstract/
Hi Patti. While I adore your cacti and the other photos, your Chihuly grabbed my attention. As the page was loading slowly on my monitor from the top down, about a quarter of the way in, I said to myself that looks like something by Chuhuly. So, you can imagine my surprise. Lovely choice! Here‘s my nostalgic submission. This was a fledgling Great Blue Heron when that photo was taken; he was a mere three weeks out of the nest. I am nostalgic for that time six years ago: babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2019/12/08/peace-on-earth-goodwill-from-great-blue-herons-not-art-nbr-23/
Keep up the outstanding work you and the other Lens Artists do!
Best, Babsje
Thank you, Babsje! I’m glad you enjoyed the images. Glad you joined the Nostalgic Challenge.
You’re welcome, Patti. It’s exciting to see all of the activity around Word Press in response to the Lens Artist weekly prompts. Best, Babsje
wonderful post and great work!