Wolfgang Tillmans makes a strong point when it comes to abstraction “The initial question everybody asks when confronted with a photograph is who is it, when was it made, how is it made, and when you’re confronted with a painting you don’t ask that. I mean, why can’t it be enough to look at the object in front of you?”
I find that Tillmans is an exceptional artist of our times, his work spans many disciplines, not just abstract. From a Turner prize winner, book writing and numerous exhibitions under his belt it is the abstract work that was the first reason for my encounter with him, however, there is much more to explore with the body of work he has produced over the years.
For me one of the most dramatic series that has been produced is the ‘blushes’. These are similar to the one depicted below.
These images are created with “brushes” on photographic paper. The brushes are actually lights such as torches and lasers. I find this work an amazing blend of the arts. Leaping into the camera-less photography in a form of painting.
Looking back to the initial quote I can resonate with its contents looking at this work, and then the same position for much of my work. The image is where the abstract leads to and it is not about what it is or how it’s made.
For me this image is an excellent example of abstract work, even with its monochromatic style. The crisp smooth lines flowing into clusters and blurs. This effect is very reminiscent of the work by Jackson Pollock.
To explore other work by Wolfgang Tillman visit https://tillmans.co.uk/
References
Figure 1 Wolfgang Tillmans Swimming to Freedom https://www.artandsciencejournal.com/post/21145270586/wolfgang-tillmans-in-this-series-swimming?route=%2Fpost%2F%3Aid%2F%3Asummary
Further Interview with Wolfgang Tillmans
