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