Abstrktn

I've been working on controlling the degree of abstraction in my photographs. Trying to figure out how much detail can be deleted while still retaining discrete shapes. Trying to push an image freed of representation into something with it's own rules and language.

I photographed this cluster of signs, because I was struck by all the floating rectangles. They seemed to be exactly the same sensibility as the "Truck Paintings." This is how I imagine the image should be.

Abstract Language

Or more appropriately, the language of abstraction. Last week in an acrylic class I was taking, a student showed an abstract work and said that she'd like to paint realistically instead of making scribbles like that. It was a famous painting and I was bothered by her comments. I find it harder to paint abstracts because the good ones are all generated by a language of their own. Each abstract painter must come up with their own visual language and also invent something new (never spoken or heard before.) It seems like a monumental task. After class I floated around the studio. I took some images of the art leavings, stains on the tables, pieces of floor etc. They are certainly abstract, but tell me, do they have a language that speaks to you?