Siskindotype | Abstracted surface detail Battered public display section Subjective expression inner experience |
T his is a non-geometric abstraction made from a capture of torn layers of posters on an outdoor wall. This type of work is characterized by a strong dependence on what appears to be accident and chance and can be considered a form of abstract expressionism. In this art movement, not all work was abstract, nor was all work expressive. It was believed, however, that the spontaneity of the artists' approach could extract and release the creativity of their unconscious mind.
Aaron Siskind (1903-1991) is the photographic artist who is most closely associated with this subject matter. In the 1940s, Siskind began to drift towards abstraction, inspired by images he made of found objects. In abstraction he felt he had discovered a language of pure expression.
"For the first time in my life subject matter, as such, had ceased to be of primary importance. Instead I found myself involved in the relationship of these objects, so much so that the pictures turned out to be deeply moving and personal experiences." - Aaron Siskind
I admire Siskind's work and feel fortunate when I find decrepit billboards and posters in my travels that offer interesting visual possibilities.
“We see in terms of our education. We look at the world and see what we have learned to believe is there. We have been conditioned to expect... but, as photographers, we must learn to relax our beliefs.” - Aaron Siskind
