Steel

[Johann van Rensburg]

Something new for me........well, haven't done any abstract stuff for ages, so here goes.

Not too sure if cleaning up the BG would improve it - what do you guys think ?

 

[Doug Earle]

Before I cleaned up the background I think I'd try to burn in the top bar and make it the same tonal range as the bottom of the middle and lower bars. Then, if that didn't do it, tone down the background.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Johann,

Did you intend some modern art or a Dadaist statement by having identical copies one on top of the other?

Asher

 

[Johann van Rensburg]

Hi Asher

The word "Dadaist" was certainly new to me - had to go and research first before even trying to reply. Thanks for expanding my vocabulary, although after having read up a bit on it, it may be safer for me not to use it - such a small word with such a vast meaning.

I have no idea why there are two images. Should only be one. Please delete one.

Thanks

 

[Asher Kelman]

Hi Asher

The word "Dadaist" was certainly new to me - had to go and research first before even trying to reply. Thanks for expanding my vocabulary, although after having read up a bit on it, it may be safer for me not to use it - such a small word with such a vast meaning.

I have no idea why there are two images. Should only be one. Please delete one.

Thanks

Well then, that was performance art, as it has now become one image again! People will have to just imagine there were two and derive something from it!

If there is not shock value to the disorder in the picture and only one copy, then I'd straighten the photograph so that everything is orthogonal. Then I'd crop away the background and the last cross bar at the bottom of the photograph. That now would deliver a picture that has an anthropomorphic feel and becomes impressive. The background I'd leave as it is.


Photographs, can go beyond documentation or mere personal mementos. They can submit to viewers some of the ideas of the photographer and/or provide a structure or spaces in which to explore, discover or recall ideas and perhaps consequences amusing or instructive to us.

So, those background blobs are useful in giving something for the eye to flit to and perhaps generate some thought based on the viewers own imperatives or fancy.

If it has to be clean then, as mentioned above, the entire frame has to be considered.

Asher

 

[Johann van Rensburg]

That now would deliver a picture that has an anthropomorphic feel and becomes impressive.
Asher

Asher, I need some asssitance in understanding this. Maybe you could crop as suggested and post with a short note to explain what you are trying to say.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Something new for me........well, haven't done any abstract stuff for ages, so here goes.

Not too sure if cleaning up the BG would improve it - what do you guys think ?

Johan van Rensaburg Steel

​

I look at things as if they might just allow us to wander in a new imaginary world set up by the picture. Something that has some subtle signals that allow the viewer to bring to the experience on'es own musing, fancy or imagination. The picture is able then to provide a scaffold into which we can organize and support our wandering, grabbing this and grasping for that.

The image was first straightened in Photoshop and then the background was selectively adjusted. There is a suggestion of a nose made by the vertical bar. So I have hinted at eyes. The rest one imagines and yet one can now leave that idea of a face behind once the visage has pulled us in and seduced us to engage.

Johan van Rensaburg Steel, edited by permission with a slight hint of a facel​

Thanks for allowing me to render my ideas into your photograph. I hope this works for you as I intend.

Asher