Morphogenesis - the creation of pattern and form out of a previously a random or uniform environment.

Abstract photography presents a visual challenge for the viewer. Specific details may have been knowingly hidden, or left out by the photographer. The subject matter may not be easily recognisable. The artwork consists of other visual elements, i.e., lines, shapes, patterns and textures and these are more prominent, or become the subject.

The viewer is left to move on, or to spend time and linger over the photograph to determine how they feel about it. Abstract photography demands more from the viewer. “But what is it really?” is a question often asked by the viewer.

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Art is subjective; not objective. Therein lies the problem for photographic art. The camera, by its technical nature, renders objects in extremely fine detail. In pre-digital time, photographs were accepted as ”truth” because the camera’s lens copied exactly what it ”saw” onto film, which was then printed in B&W or colour. The print and the negative could always be produced and compared to determine visual, factual accuracy.

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Artistic photography is not about the subject; it’s what the subject is about. With abstract photography this is much more evident, for in many instances the actual subject matter is secondary to what it is the artist is saying, or what the artist asks of his/her audience.

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My series - Morphogenesis - originated with digital captures of a natural environment - sand patterns created as the ocean’s tides recede. Each image spoke to me as I saw it fully emerge on the computer’s monitor; each images is unique; each image has its own voice; each image resonates with me in a different and unique way, some make me smile, with some a feeling of dread rises up and with others I see an array of tiny creatures struggling to be seen and acknowledged. It’s up to each one of you to decide, if and how, they speak to you.

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Given a camera and lens were used to create the image, the viewer may be even more perplexed since the camera traditionally renders images in fine detail and exactitude. In some instances, the abstract image may isolate lines and shapes to such a great extent that the actual subject matter is completely unrecognisable. The level of abstraction purposely applied to a photo ensures the viewer reacts on a much more emotional level to the subject.

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The abstract work of art is a puzzle for the mind, forcing it to contemplate the image and figure out what it is, but failing that, the viewer must study the image more closely and decide, on a gut level, what they think of it and how to react to the image.

When you view these images presented here, you have to suspend your disbelief to allow the work to react on you in deeper, more complex way.

The Morphogenesis series is very personal work that’s unique to me. The images speak to a number of inner voices only I hear, but if you apply yourself and open your mind, they will speak to you too. You may like what they say, or you may not. Some require up close examination, others are better viewed from a distance, while still others may shake you to your core. All these feelings and emotions are valid and acceptable to me. If you’re part of my audience, I hope you enjoy the visual adventure. To see more of these unique images, click here. To purchase your favourite, or most scary image, click here.

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Abstraction - Morphogenesis