This photographic expression delves into the effects of abstract expressionism as a means to invoke human emotion and understanding through textures, contrast and sharpness of subject matter. Consciously I aimed to develop more than just a guttural feeling, but really, a feeling—a visual communication of a tangible and physical texture through a photographic medium. I wanted eyes to feel, not see, as if they could assume the sensational qualities of the hand. Particular attention to surfaces, distinguishing colors, lighting and cropping have made this communication successful. What’s more, all of the subject matter comes from artwork I have made myself in previous years, which adds a personal element—painting the pictures was a visual communication in and of itself, but the visual sensations of the pieces are heightened when photographic qualities are dramatized and manipulated. The beauty I find in this selection stems from the simple fact that abstract expressionism speaks differently to each viewer. Inspiration for this project was birthed from the photography of Aaron Siskend, who epitomized my efforts of capturing feelings and emotions by way of abstract expressionism. Although his photography served as a foundation for my ideas I ventured to develop colored photos—unlike his staple black and whites—and I went through an elaborate digital editing process to enhance the visual qualities of my photos whereas Siskend was a creature of the darkroom. I played off of Siskend’s style, but went a bit further, including subtle vignette effects, intensifying black points and trying out different perspectives. Ultimately this project serves most effectively as an experimentation; one that challenges viewers to subject their own understanding of my ideas. I present no obvious theme or bias. Rather, I embrace the chance to distort reality by way of artistic expression. I’ve done my part, I welcome you to decide the rest.

-Tyler Kurbat