Abstract: Special Interest Group

Meetings: September 2018 to June 2019
Wednesdays 7 to 9:30 p.m.
  • September 19, 2018
  • October 17, 2018
  • November 14, 2018
  • January 16, 2019
  • February 20, 2019
  • March 20, 2019
  • April 17, 2019
  • May 15, 2019
  • June 12, 2019
​Abstract photography is both like and unlike other forms of abstract art. Like all forms of abstract art, it attempts to reach beyond content and technique. Instead, abstraction emphasizes effect through compositions of shapes, spaces, lines, colours, textures and tones.
 
In most forms of abstract art, abstraction is created without reference to external reality. A painter may work with blobs, slashes, splashes and areas of paint; a sculptor can create shapes and tones based purely on material. In contrast, in abstract photography we most often work by 'abstracting' our compositions from external reality. We seek to find, isolate, and emphasize our vision through recognizable photographic approaches. Pattern, texture, shape, line, colour, and so on, is emphasized by familiar skills, such as control of framing, tonality, sharpness, and contrast. Unlike most other works of abstract art, much abstract photography is extremely technical, and often merges abstraction with hyper-realism.
Article written by Ron Ross, former SIG Chair, 2015​
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The IACC Abstract Special Interest Group meets roughly once every four to five weeks during the Club year (September to May), most often on a Wednesday night. For each meeting a theme is suggested. Normally, each member brings images (digital or printed) which form the basis of a critique and discussion session. These conversations range widely, from detailed technical issues to questions of emotional reactions and visual impacts to choice of equipment. There is always some socializing. 
Members of this SIG may submit images to the webmaster if you wish to have your photographs displayed. ​