Abstraction

“… many abstractions are possible for any given object, each of which illuminates some hidden truth. One might say that reality is the sum of all possible abstractions and that in coming to know these possibilities, we understand reality better.” (Sparks of Genius, p. 81)

Based on these ideas, you are asked to explore the various abstractions for an idea, topic, object, or person related to your subject matter (e.g., velocity, justice, gravity). It must be something for which you can generate abstractions through digital photography.

For instance, if you were using a rose, you would photograph it in ways than demonstrate its color, softness, thorns, beauty, etc. Your goal is to best approximate the “reality” of your item in 2-3 pictures. In doing so, you must try to distill its essential elements and find abstractions for each. You will then post the abstracted pictures to your blog, along with a picture of the original object, 3-4 pictures in all.

You can show us the idea, topic, object or person’s essential qualities in any way you wish. This should include consideration of both their physical and psychological/conceptual qualities. To create an abstracted version of your idea, topic, object, or person you can use any sources and mediums you desire beyond the original photograph – from taking the original photo into an editing program like Photoshop or Paint and rearranging it, to playing with the light, or depth of field – or using other mediums to get the abstracted quality you are seeking, such as real paint, clay or ink. The goal is to show us the essential qualities of the idea, topic, object, or person you photographed.”