November 30, 2019 • 247

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #74: Abstract

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.

The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes, and, ironically, the more real. ~Lucian Freud

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.