Originally posted by backdoorhippie:
That moment when you click on the "Give Me An Image..." button and what you get is something you cannot find anything to say about, even after staring at it on and off for a couple hours? Yep.
I didn't want to bail on it, so I said what little I could and asked for a little more input (all it lists is EXIF and a title in Abstract Macro), and let the person know that if they could at least nudge me towards what it is and/or what they were trying to say then I'd be happy to amend the critique. I'm somewhat embarrassed because I can usually find something to say even about some of the blurred messes that get posted here, but this one? Eh.
My apologies to the group. I've gotten some pretty good feedback up until now. |
This is what makes an excellent critiquer! Jake did indeed get in touch with the maker. Yeah it happened to be me as I wanted to see what happened to an image when the critique box was checked these days.
Abstract is a difficult category to critique in the first place and my image was very, very abstract, ending up with a low score.
We established a dialog on the subject - I won't quote Jake's end - my response to his query is below.
What is important is that we both learned from the experience. Not a bad result.
Jake, it is very thoughtful of you to send this PM and discuss your critique of 'Study in Red.'
DPC and I have a running (but one-sided) battle over the definition of 'abstract.' Here's the definition I go with:
ab·stract art
noun: art that does not attempt to represent external, recognizable reality but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.
Now, I love abstract art and have studied it in many museums and galleries. I've even tried both in painting and photography to create such art and spent a long time in attempting representational art to try to gain the insight to attempt it.
With all this for prologue, I'll try to explore "Study in Red" a bit with you.
First I used that 65mm lens that is so macro the composition I selected probably measured no more than 1/2 inch, total. This took it out of any possible context. Then the predominant red colors created a pattern that led to a divide. What's in that divide? The viewer can decide. There were several focal points: the yellow to rest on, and the white to focus on. What these focal points mean is up to the viewer. can the viewer sink into the image and find meaning or adventure or some other thought provoking form?
Did it make the viewer think? If it did, then the abstract was a success. If not, well, there's always next time.
I'll close this overly long message with a story: A friend of mine, who is as traditional as they come, was discussing an abstract painting by some well-known artist. She was vocal in her displeasure, saying that painting, which she had gone on about for quite a while, "made me see red!" To me, it was "mission accomplished" because it made my friend think, whether she liked it or not.
Jake, I am delighted you have taken on the Critique Club. Your insight has been refreshing and rewarding to our community. Keep up the good work.
Alice
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