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Photographed New York Architecture, which will influence future projects.

William James Ramsay
Mar 19, 2017
2 min read

Throughout my time in New York I was taking photographs of the surroundings and the architecture that dominated the space above me. My interest in modernist architecture and abstraction within art, was something which I determined would allow these to merge well with my studio practice, so I was keen to try capture some compositions which could translate well. These would then act as sources of inspiration for new abstract designs and a body of work which would act as and communicate my 6 day experience in New York.

Below are a selection of images taken from my photograph files, which were taken throughout the trips duration and documents various locations: -

This approach to trying to find abstract compositions in the everyday surroundings was something in which I managed to also come across whilst exploring the art galleries of Chelsea, NY. The gallery called ' The Phoenix Gallery' was currently showing a selection of photography pieces titled 'Urban Abstract' by a photographer called Joseph O'Neill.

Inspired by Eugene Atget’s style of capturing the simplicities of everyday life and Man Ray’s unique combination of photographic realism and artistic surrealism, O’Neill’s work captures elements of New York City that are urban and industrial in tone.

With his camera, O’Neill looks to illuminate things that are easily overlooked.

”I use my lens to look at details, offering a play of reflection, light, and shadow that happens naturally when someone is walking past the same building looking it up and down.” Joseph O'Neill.

“My lens attempts to freeze that moment when a viewer first notices something unique but might not have time to stop and take proper note.” Joseph O'Neill.

“I notice objects and scenes that were obscure, making me realize I had been missing large parts of the world around me." Joseph O'Neill

This was the approach/ idea I was trying to implement when taken photographs during my time navigating my way around the City, so to see these pieces of Urban photography it allowed me to see how someone else had executed this vision and how they looked in a white cube gallery context.