Workshop: Abstract Photography

Workshop: Abstract Photography

From Man Ray’s Rayographs to Aaron Siskind’s Abstract Expressionist images and Silvio Wolf’s color field photographs; we will use the camera to make photographs inspired by painting and other non-photographic forms. We will look at the influence of photography on painting and vice versa, with the following artists as a few of the examples: Laurent Millet, Harry Callahan, Richard Misrach, Alison Rossiter, Adam Fuss.

Students will be asked to create abstract photographs on their own outside of class and bring work to class for discussion (approximately 10-15 images each week).

* Note: It is essential that students bring artwork to class to share for critique. They may show printed images or digital images on a projector (using either on a flash drive or a disc).

Course Plan:

Class #1 (Oct. 27)

1. Introduction to the course, student and instructor introductions.

2. Slide presentation of abstract photographs part I.

3. Review technical elements of student cameras, materials they plan to use, and technique.

4. Questions and comments. Brainstorm subject matter students would like to work on over the week.

Class #2 (Nov. 3)

1. Students present work for group critique.

2. Slide presentation of abstract photographs part II.

3. Group discussion and brainstorming for the upcoming week’s project.

Class #3 (Nov. 10)

1. Students present work for group critique.

2. Slide presentation of abstract photographs part III.

3. Group discussion and brainstorming for the upcoming week’s project.

Class #4 (Nov. 17)

1. class trip

Class #5 (Nov. 24)

1. Critique: Students share progress towards final project.

Class #6 (December 1)

1. Critique: Students share progress towards final project.

Class #7 (December 8)

1. Students share progress towards final project.

2. Students prepare for final presentation by editing their work.

Class #8 (December 15)

1. Final Presentation of students finished images.

2. Group critique.

3. Review of all topics covered