William Oldacre Photography

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Abstract Expressionism

Convergent series, day, colour photograph, art, abstract, abstract expressionism, creative, city street, urban, downtown, cityscape, speed, blur, movement, motion, green, blue, red, muted, wedge, shape

Polar Vortex, 2016 – Convergent :: (click to see more)

Up until now I had no idea where my work about the city belonged. I’ve written about my interest in quantum physics and the role of the observer in defining reality. I’ve stated the work I make is emotionally derived – capturing the sensation and essence of movement and life in the city and I always allow decisions and experimentation to be directed by subconscious intuition.

I came across a series of photographs by other artists classified as Abstract Expressionism and after researching it – it’s clear this is where my work belongs. Just knowing this gives me an overwhelming sense of relief – knowing what I’m doing has a long acknowledged history of legitimacy. On the other hand I feel terribly sad – all this time I thought I was forging new territory, making something unique.

So it’s with mixed emotion I realize these four bodies of work are firmly in the realm of Abstract Expressionism. Interestingly, I’m finding this mostly consists of painters from the early part of the 20th century. I’m going to have to see what other great Abstract Expressionists are photographers, although I can think of some contemporary photographers who likely fall in this category – Michael Awad, Michael Wesely and Idris Kahn.