From Objective Topography to Abstract Modernism

Tracing the Evolution from Objective Topography to Abstract Modernism in Landscape Photography

Light and Paper
Full Frame

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Photo by Alfred Stieglitz, The Steerage, 1907. [public domain]

In photography, there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality. — Alfred Stieglitz

Introduction

Initiating a comprehensive exploration, landscape photography employs wide-angle lenses to depict narratives of pristine nature, urban expanses, and historical significance. It transcends mere moment-capturing, encouraging a perceptual experience guided by keen observation — an evolution spanning from 19th-century pictorialism to abstract modernism. This analysis delves into the objective narrative of topography, influenced by visionaries like Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Albert Renger-Patzsch, and Edward Weston.

Observational Approach in Landscape Photography

Landscape photography uses specific features, primarily relying on wide-angle lenses to capture entire scenes. These photos aim to provide a comprehensive and powerful view, offering abundant information in a highly observant manner.

This method stands in sharp contrast to a “judgmental” perspective, ensuring more open access for the audience to understand a location…

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