ABSTRACTION
Abstract Art is a modern creative discipline, introduced in the early 20th century, and promoted intensely through the activities of painters in America during the 1940s – 50s.
Attempts were being made to break away from the stifling strict traditional modes, and out-dated styles of art making in Europe. American creative artists needed a fresh new outlet to create freely.
The American painters devised their own theories, concepts and rules in order to find an identity in the worlds of modern visual arts.
THE RULES
The focus of Abstract Art are the qualities of concepts and ideas, becoming visible through the use of a visual language, medium, and meanings of the contents in the works of art. Including what methods the artist utilise to communicate on an emotional level, with the viewers.
At the beginning of the 20th century, European artists began to make enquires about what makes colours zing, when placed together. Groups of visual artists were all searching to find a personal visual metaphor, with enough info to describe aspects of reality, without the figurative facsimile as found in nature.
Also in America during the 20th century, photography was elevated as a medium to create art, and accepted into the higher echelons of the fine art foundation, traditions and establishment.
New Ways of Working
As a contemporary artist, I understand myself to be a Visualist. A person who assist individuals to open new vistas in the imagination through visualisation. I make attempts to activate and mobilise, the screen in the mind’s eye. This explanation may appear to be arty and highfaluting, but I can find no other way to describe my true intentions for the new ways of working.
Abstract Photography
Utilising the discipline of Abstract Art, I use the camera in the same manner as a paintbrush on canvas. My initial source are the elements in nature: Water, wind, light, dark, trees, reflections, colour etc.
I began working through the visual techniques of looking, perspective, composition, lines, forms, shapes, tones, moving around in space as working on the canvas, until the decisive moment and click!
Without digital manipulations, the results are here for everyone to see. The images are captured and fixed in the camera, they are not random snap shots. I continue to work in same way as I did before the digital revolution. Instead of a wet chemical darkroom, there is now a dry screen of new technology.
To me, the traditional principles of photography applies and remain true, capturing visual data and information through the movement of light. The technology offers new ways to do the same work.
New Body Of Work
African Sensibilities
Starting from a base in nature – water – air – light, as the source to begin making work. The ideas were to visualise the invisible spiritual energies, networks, lines, circuits, and shapes, that connects African people to each other, to nature and the divine creator.
The essence and foundations of African sensibilities, are visible in the deep relationship with nature, and the efforts made to harmonise with her naturally.
I was my wish and hope, the resulting images are an accurate reflection and representation of the contemporary times, and true nature of the African global experiential living realities.
“Inspiration do come, but it must find You Working.'” Pablo Picasso.
Art & Life
The inspiration for this new approach came about over two decades ago, from an installation exhibition of EL ‘ ANATSUI at the October Galley in London.
The memory of the show remained with me. The work was telling epic stories with small coloured sticks, the titles offered clues to the unfolding drama.
I became excited, amazed by what I was getting from the work. I felt the tension, emotions, and the drama the small sticks of wood communicated. Of course, I believed the epic story was directly related to me.