Abstract 418

Minimalism (4)

Minimalism

I have titled this series ‘Minimalism’ simply because it was the work of the minimalist artists that triggered the initial thinking behind the selection.

Minimalism was a term that came into use in 1960’s New York.  It was applied initially to sculptures in which a simple, unadorned unit became an essential, and often repeated, feature of the artwork  Frequently individual components were made from prefabricated materials (as in Carl Andre’s Equivalent VIII, formed from an arrangement of firebricks  — a work that caused a great deal of controversy when it w  as first exhibited at the Tate Gallery in 1976).

Minimalists rejected the use of conventional aesthetic appeal or attempts to communicate with the ‘inner self’.  They preferred austere, ‘bare bones’ pieces.  Even so, their use of colour often reflects  a link with the works of Abstract Expressionists such as Barnett Newman.

The images in this series attempt to express some of these basic ideas and conventions in two dimensional form.

Homage to William Carlos Williams’ ‘Red Wheelbarrow’!

Red Wheelbarrow

‘so much depends
upon

a red wheel
barrow

glazed with rain
water

beside the white
chickens’

William CXarlos Williams

Happy Doodle!

Surf boards at rest

 

Keeping it simple

As in the previous post, the focus here is on pattern  –  pattern expressed simply.

The Gate Part 2

Three more images celebrating our new relationship!

The Gate – my new friend.

‘We are not interested in the unusual, but in the usual seen unusually.’   Beaumont Newhall

I pass through my garden gate several times each day.  In fact, we’ve been passing acquaintances for many years!   But this morning I did something I had not done before.  I felt it was time I got to know my gate better and so I stopped and, I suppose, really looked at the gate for the first time.  Despite its age it is in excellent shape with attractive curves, even though its joints are rusty and its skin needs more than a touch of conditioner.  Clearly I have been neglectful and have not given the gate the tlc it deserves.

Nevertheless, to celebrate the occasion I took a series of photographs and will be sharing them with you today and tomorrow.

Abstract 114 ‘Unchained’

Lichen

As moths are attracted to a lamp in the evening, so photographers are often attracted to lichen.  Why, then, another lichen photo?  Simply because I like it  –  and I offer no apology!  I am fascinated by the shapes, the colours, the mosaic-like natural patterning, the textures etc.  It is just a very pleasing subject. 

Sunflower

 

 

See also  Poppy Days,  The Gracious Lady of Spring, Blue Iris, Clematis, Lupins after rain

At a loose end

At a loose end

Garden in July

Garden in July

See also Pebble Pond Corner, Garden in June, Lupins after rain, Clematis, Blue Iris, The Gracious Lady of Spring, Poppy Days

Woodland Silence

Woodland Silence

See also If you go down to the woods today, Autumn silhouette, Shades of Autumn

Grasses in the Breeze (2)

Grasses in the Breeze (2)

See also Dancing seed heads, Grasses in the Breeze (1), Flowering Grass, Flowering Grasses in Sunlight, Buttercup Meadow, Dune Grasses, Autumn silhouette, Grass silhouette

Galaxy 1

Galaxy 1

See also Creating a Splash! The Water Abstracts

Making an Impression

 

See also   Creating a Splash,  Hot Sand, Abstract 101,

Grasses in the Breeze (1)

When the wind blows

See also Flowering Grass, Flowering Grasses in Sunlight and Wild flower meadow

More Reflections on The Broads

Broads II

See also Reflections on the Broads, The Water Abstracts