Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 9(8), pp. 1572 - 1580
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090809
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Abstract Photography as a Form of Art Education

Michele Astuto ^*
Facoltà di Scienza dell’Educazione dell’Università di Granada, Michele Astuto via Vittorio Emanuele, 162 - 95042 – Grammichele (CT), Italy

ABSTRACT

This essay focuses on the comparative analysis between abstract and figurative photography and their possible combinations. Abstract photography is to be intended as an image in which the brain cannot recognize any shape or defined form, unlike figurative photography that portrays reality, or part of it, just as the eyes see it: this is the reason why abstract photography is almost a utopia, as the camera is a mechanic tool that captures subjects as they are. Abstract photography can be compared to the abstract painting of historical avant-garde movements in 10th century art, where artists try to express sensations and feelings through colors, shapes and composition. The aim of the content analysis and its realization is to discover the critical thinking and its values, and the possible educational effects within the study context. This project aims to get a deeper look on the way abstract photography can influence the students of the Academy of Fine Arts "Michelangelo" during their studies. Furthermore, it tries to demonstrate whether the use of fantasy and colors can be a stimulating advantage in the photography process, as the freedom of artistic expression in the composition of abstract photography can facilitate one's personality expression, or, on the contrary, a disadvantage, considering the lack of rules of this subject, especially when compared to figurative photography. Theoretical reflection on the art itself and applied laboratory are fundamental to better understand the importance and the value of photography in the artistic, educative, communicative contexts. In fact, photography is an actual artistic instrument just as all the other arts, and as an expression and communication means, art can assume a significant role in the education field through the employment of images, laboratory activities and scientific practices and theories. The methodology followed for the aim of this study was based on a quantitative approach, through the administration of a test to the sample of students, and a qualitative approach with a group discussion that followed the test, were art and abstract photography were the main topic. The test included multiple and open questions about art and photography related issues, while the group discussion was based on the observation and analysis of an abstract photography project. The participants were all students of the Academy of Fine Arts "Michelangelo" of Agrigento, only 16 were chosen based on their affinity and knowledge of art. The research showed the tendency and growing interest towards this photography genre and it was concluded with the students experimenting by themselves a new abstract photography through the off-camera process, which does not employ any camera or computer. To conclude, this work combines the analysis of the figurative narration with the possibilities of breaking the rules through abstraction, colors and creativity; in other words, this study deals with the importance of abstraction in the artistic field.

KEYWORDS
Education, Photography, Higher education, Visual culture, Visual Arts, Abstract Photography

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Michele Astuto , "Abstract Photography as a Form of Art Education," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 9, No. 8, pp. 1572 - 1580, 2021. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090809.

(b). APA Format:
Michele Astuto (2021). Abstract Photography as a Form of Art Education. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 9(8), 1572 - 1580. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090809.